All about Qixi Festival

Once upon a time, there were two magical lovers named Zhinu, a fairy, and Niulang, a cowherd. They fell in love, but their love was forbidden because they were from different worlds. The Queen Mother of the West separated them by creating the Milky Way, a river of stars that would only allow them to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. This day is known as Qixi Festival.

On this special day, Zhinu and Niulang are reunited, and magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way for them to meet. People celebrate Qixi Festival by making wishes, writing poems, and offering fruits to Zhinu and Niulang. They also pray for love, happiness, and good fortune.

During the festival, children can learn about the importance of love, perseverance, and the power of wishes coming true. It is a day to celebrate the magic of love and the belief that true love can overcome any obstacle. So, let's celebrate Qixi Festival by making our own wishes and spreading love and kindness to everyone around us.

  1. Who were the two magical lovers in the story?
  2. Why was the love between Zhinu and Niulang forbidden?
  3. What did the Queen Mother of the West do to separate the lovers?
  4. How do people celebrate Qixi Festival?
  5. What are some lessons children can learn from the story of Zhinu and Niulang?

Symbols and Traditions

Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, is a special day celebrated in Taoism to honor the love story of Zhinu, a weaver girl, and Niulang, a cowherd. This festival usually falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

  1. What is the significance of Qixi Festival in Chinese culture?
  2. Who are the central figures in the love story celebrated during Qixi Festival?
  3. What traditions and activities are commonly observed during Qixi Festival?
  4. Explain the symbolism behind the Cowherd Star and the Weaver Star in relation to Qixi Festival.
  5. How does the legend of the magpie bridge contribute to the festivities of Qixi Festival?

My Family and Qixi Festival

Hi, my name is Lily and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you how my family celebrates Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day.

Qixi Festival is a special day celebrated in Taoism to honor the love story of Zhinu, a weaver girl, and Niulang, a cowherd. This festival usually falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

During Qixi Festival, my family and I perform various traditions and activities to express our love and devotion. One of our favorite traditions is to make wishes and offerings to the celestial lovers, Zhinu and Niulang, for happiness and prosperity. We also release colorful lanterns into the sky and decorate our home with flowers to create a festive atmosphere.

The festival is symbolized by the Cowherd Star (Altair) and the Weaver Star (Vega), which are said to represent Niulang and Zhinu. Legend has it that on this special day, a bridge of magpies forms across the Milky Way, allowing the celestial lovers to reunite for one night.

Overall, Qixi Festival is a joyous occasion filled with love, wishes, and traditions that bring families and communities together to celebrate the enduring love story of Zhinu and Niulang.

  1. What is the significance of Qixi Festival in Taoism?
  2. How do people express their love and devotion during Qixi Festival?
  3. Why are the Cowherd Star and the Weaver Star important symbols in this festival?
  4. What legend is associated with the formation of a bridge of magpies on Qixi Festival?
  5. How does Qixi Festival bring families and communities together?

Comparing Qixi Festival to another Festival

After learning all about Qixi Festival, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Qixi Festivaland think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Qixi Festival
A full set of teaching plans for Qixi Festivalteaching.