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Experience the magic of love and stargazing at the Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. Don't miss the celestial spectacle!
Jet set your dreams to the stars and get ready for a romance-filled adventure on August 10, because it's the traditional Qixi Festival! This magical occasion, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, is an ancient celebration recognized for over 2,000 years. It originates from a legendary love story between the seventh daughter of the Goddess of Heaven and a humble cowherd boy. Their tale has been passed down from generation to generation, and is now commemorated with star gazing as everyone eagerly waits for the two stars, Vega and Altair, representing the lovers, to come closest. Experience the heartwarming festivities filled with love, yearning, and celestial beauty during this enchanted festival! Astoundingly beautiful and brimming with emotion, the Qixi Festival is truly a stellar celebration of love!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Han Dynasty (206 BC -220 AD)</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origination of Qixi Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Qixi Festival derives its beginnings from the renowned myth of the cowherd and the weaver girl during the Han Dynasty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Tang Dynasty (618-907)</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Royal Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Tang Dynasty, the Qixi Festival was observed with grandeur by the Royal family as well as the masses.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Song Dynasty (960-1279)</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of Vega and Altair</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the Song Dynasty, Vega and Altair, stars representing the lovers, were added to maps and recognized in the festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Traditions</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Ming Dynasty, traditions such as women's sewing contests and worshiping the weaver girl emerged.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the 1990s, Qixi Festival gained recognition as the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day in pop culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Qixi Festival Today</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, Qixi Festival is celebrated with gift exchanges, romantic dinners, and stargazing, commemorating the enduring legend of celestial love.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a magnificent stargazing spot</h3><p class='facts-text'>Set up a comfortable outdoor area with twinkly fairy lights, cushions, and blankets—for a stargazing experience. Running a string of lights along the edge of an umbrella, or hanging lanterns from trees, can create a magical atmosphere similar to that of the star-filled sky.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook a romantic dinner</h3><p class='facts-text'>Prepare a traditional Chinese meal for your loved one. You could include dishes like 'double-seventh meatballs' or 'Qixi porridge', both known to be served during the Qixi festival to symbolize the unification of the couple celebrated in the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Write love letters</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take inspiration from the doomed lovers from the Qixi story and write your loved one a heartfelt letter expressing your emotions and commitment. This can be a romantic and deeply personal way to celebrate this day of love.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Craft some woven items</h3><p class='facts-text'>Qixi is also called the "Festival of Skills" where women showcase their talents in threading, weaving, and more. So, why not try your hand at creating a woven craft piece such as a small rug or coaster? This could also serve as a lovely gift!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gift traditional tokens</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gift your partner traditional tokens associated with the festival, like hair accessories or perfumes, to show your affection and honour the tradition. You can even use these as an opportunity to support local artisans.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of deep love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, is inspired by a profound love story. It's a day that signifies the emotion of love and expresses it in a magical and celestial way, reminding us of the power and beauty of love.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages creativity and expression</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From creating a magnificent stargazing spot to cooking a traditional dinner or crafting woven items, Qixi Festival allows for creative displays of affection. It's a chance to show your love in unique ways and to celebrate your partner with personalized touch and efforts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It strengthens cultural appreciation and knowledge</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Qixi Festival is a way to learn about and appreciate an ancient and significant cultural tradition from another part of the world. It not only gives insights into the traditional Chinese perception of love but also deepens an understanding of Chinese culture and history.</p></div></div>
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