Did you know that the Chinese traditionally celebrate their own Valentine’s Day on the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar? It falls on Tuesday 25th August this year.

Officially called Qixi Festival (七夕节 Qīxī jié), it celebrates the annual reunion of the cowherd (牛郎 Niúláng) and weaver girl (织女 Zhīnǚ) in mythology, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), which later inspired the Tanabata (たなばた) festival in Japan and Chilseok (칠석) festival in Korea.

It’s been a traditional occasion for girls to pray to the weaver girl for wisdom by demonstrating their talented domestic skills (e.g. needlework and weave). Modern-day celebration highlights the female’s role and contribution to families and society.

Due to pandemic we are unable to host any onsite activities for entertainment and appreciation of its culture. However, here’s the display of last year’s celebration of Qixi Festival, including photos of Chinese paper-folding/cutting, Guzheng music performance and Chinese calligraphy.