The Qixi Festival, often known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month in the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival originates from the poignant legend of Niu Lang, a cowherd, and Zhinü, a weaver maiden. Separated by the Milky Way, the tragic lovers are permitted to reunite just once a year across a bridge formed by magpies.
        This folklore closely to Japan’s Tanabata Festival, which centers on the tale of Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the cowherd. In Japan, Tanabata is celebrated annually on July 7th.
Written, translated, and illustrated by: Ratchanok T.