[英语课]

Magpie Festival-- Double Seven Festival

Today is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, so, it is called Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's Day --the Double Seventh Festival.


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The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. In Chinese(七夕节), "qi 七" means seven, and "xi 夕" refers to night. So its name "qixi" literally means the seventh night of the seventh month.

In fact, the festival originated from a famous Chinese legend which tells about the love story between a young man named Niulang, or the cowherd, and a fair maiden named Zhinv, or Weaving Maid. According to the legend, the loving couple was separated by the Queen of Heaven with the Milky Way, and they were allowed to meet in heaven only once a year on the night of the Qixi Festival.

According to historical records, celebrations for the Qixi Festival started as early as 2,000 years ago. It was an occasion for couples to express affection and celebrate their love. Lovebirds separated from each other would try to get together and enjoy a romantic time. In the old days, Qixi was celebrated not just by people in love. It was also a festival for girls.

Their touching love story has inspired men of letters to create many literary works. One of the most famous is a poem written by Qin Guan of the 11th century. The last few lines go like this:Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Weaving Maid. Their tender love flows like a stream, This happy date seems but a dream. They are so sad to leave the Magpie Bridge. But if love between them last for aye, Why need they stay together night and day?