Cowherd and the weaving
maiden festival
ORIGIN:
Version 1: Niu Lang and Zhi Nu were
both faries living on opposite sides of the Milky Way ("Silver River" in
Chinese). The Jade Emperor of Heaven felt sorry for the two faries and hence
arranged for their marriage. The couple became enthralled with each other after
their marriage that they neglected their work. The Jade Emperor was annoyed and
decreed that henceforth, the couple could only meet once a year on the seventh night of
the seventh month.
Version 2: Zhi Nu was the 7th daughter of the Jade
Emperor. One day while visiting earth, she met and fell in love with Niu Lang.
After their marriage, Zhi Nu's absence was discovered by her mother, the Jade Emperess and
Zhi Nu was ordered to return to Heaven. The Jade Emperess took pity on the couple
and she thus allowed them to meet once a year. So, on the seventh night of the
seventh moon, mapies would form a bridge for the fairy wife to meet her mortal husband.
Celebrations by the people
Celebration is declining in recent years. In the 50's and 60's, many Chinatown
streets turned into fairyland of lights as different "Qi Jie Hui" (Seven
Sisters' Association, comprising of mainly single females) competed with each other to put
up the most beautiful "shrines" to Niu Lang and Zhi Nu.
The "shrines"
were mainly made of paper and fresh fruits, flowers and cosmetics were offered.
Also, devotees took pains to make miniature clothes, shoes, and artifacts from paper and
embroidery for display.