Today's Google Doodle: Across the entirety of Taiwan, the profound spirit of love takes center stage as Qixi Festival 2023 unfolds. This cherished occasion, also referred to as the Double Seventh Festival, Magpie Festival, or Night of Sevens, holds significance not only within Taiwan but resonates throughout diverse Asian cultures.
Marked on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, couples, whether newly entwined or seasoned, come together to celebrate and express their deep-seated affection.
Today's Google Doodle casts a mesmerizing nocturnal panorama, capturing the hearts of Taiwanese individuals gazing heavenward, where stars gleam with brilliance. This artistic creation pays homage to the legendary romance between Zhinü and Niulang, a tale deeply ingrained in the hearts of Taiwan's people.
Whole Taiwan Celebrates the Spirit of Love on Qixi Festival
Qixi Festival, also known as Double Seventh Festival, Magpie Festival, or Night of Sevens, is a significant cultural event celebrated not only in Taiwan but also across various Asian cultures. This annual festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, is often referred to as the Chinese Valentine's Day due to its association with love and romance. The festival has a rich history, folklore, and customs that make it a cherished occasion for people to express their affection and devotion.
Origins and Legend: The origins of Qixi Festival can be traced back to ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. The festival is based on the romantic legend of a celestial weaver girl, Zhinü, and a cowherd, Niulang. According to the legend, Zhinü was the daughter of the Jade Emperor, and she was skilled in weaving beautiful fabrics. Niulang was a simple cowherd who lived on Earth. When the Jade Emperor learned about their secret marriage and love, he separated them by creating the Milky Way between them, allowing them to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, when magpies would form a bridge for them to cross.
Modern Significance: In modern times, Qixi Festival has taken on additional meanings. While it remains a celebration of love and romance, it has also become a day to appreciate relationships with family and friends. People also use the occasion to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and compassion.
In Taiwan, Qixi Festival brings together people of all ages to celebrate love in its various forms. From traditional rituals to modern expressions of affection, the festival serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of maintaining strong connections with loved ones.
Qixi Festival, also known as Double Seventh Festival, Magpie Festival, or Night of Sevens, holds a special place in the hearts of people in Taiwan and many other Asian cultures. As couples exchange gifts, families gather, and friends celebrate together, the spirit of love and togetherness is palpable in the air. This cherished tradition serves as a beautiful reminder of the timeless value of love and the bonds that connect us all.
The folk tale is a love story of the weaver girl Zhinü and the cowherd Niulang. One may find ample number of versions of the story in the country. But the famous ones narrate their struggle for each other beyond stars and moons.
On this day, people celebrate their love for their partners by attending operatic plays that retell the folk story, exchanging handmade gifts, enjoying intimate date nights, and more. Singles who are in search of love visit Yuelao temples, where the God of matchmaking is worshipped.
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