| In Chinese lunar calendar, July 7th is regarded as the
Chinese Valentine's Day. Traditionally it has a special
meaning for girls, on which they burn joss sticks to pay
their courtesy and obeisance to gods and beg for a light
hand at housework and a perfect match in marriage. Since
it falls in the harvest day, some melons and fruit are
usually placed on the table as sacrifice. A small test
is said to be able to tell if you are a capable girl.
On that night, when the moon is high up in the sky, you
put a needle on the water surface, if it doesn't sink,
then you are already smart enough. And there is a beautiful
folktale about the origin of this festival.
Long time ago, a poor boy lived with his elder brother
and sister-in-law. But he was driven out of home in
his early twenties. Having nothing but an old cattle,
he moved into a cottage and was called Cowboy (Niulang)
by people. One day, the cattle suddenly said to him,
'You are a good boy. If you want to get married, go
to the brook and your wish will be realized.'
Cowboy did so, and after a short while, he saw seven
pretty fairies coming and taking a bath in the water.
Fascinated by the youngest and also the most beautiful
one, he took away her clothes in secret. The other six
fairies went away after bath, so the youngest was left
alone. At that time, Cowboy appeared from behind a tree
and asked her to marry him. He looked so sincere and
handsome that she nodded.
They lived a poor but happy life and two years later,
they had a son and a daughter. But the Jade Emperor
(the dominant god in heaven in Chinese folktales) heard
it and was annoyed, for the fairy turned out to be the
weaving girl (Zhinv) to weave clouds and rainbows. Without
her, the sky was dull, so the queen Wangmu forced her
back. Cowboy took his children in two bamboo baskets
and ran after her with the old cattle's help. Just then
the Queen drew a line between them with her hairpin
and it became the Milky Way. Pied magpies were moved
by their cries and lots of them gathered and formed
a bridge for the couple. And the Queen finally agreed
their meeting on every July 7th.
|
