What is Qixi? You may be wondering – I’ve never heard of it.
Having lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, I’ve grown more accustomed to the US holidays than to Chinese ones. And more than once, I’ve worked straight through some major Chinese holidays without realizing it. If not for a few WeChat messages from friends – including some right here in Westford – I might have missed this opportunity for a small but meaningful romantic moment with my family.
Especially for Qixi, as it is usually celebrated privately at home, as opposed to big public festivals with big gatherings.
The legend says that the Cowherd (Niulang) and Weaver Girl (Zhinu), were two lovers separated by the Milky Way. It is a flock of magpies that forms a bridge over the galaxy once a year – on the seventh day of seventh lunar month – to allow the couple to reunite for a short time. Hence the origin of the Chinese Valentine’s Day. And for thousands of years since the Han Dynasty, it’s held people’s hope for love and family happiness, showing the unique romance of Chinese people. “If love is long-lasting, why worry about being apart?”
How many families in Westford and beyond quietly observed Qixi this year? Maybe with a special homemade meal under the stars – crafting lanterns, or trying Qixi-inspired pastries known as qiaoguo, or maybe both.
The same Qixi-themed festivals are also observed across Asia. In Taiwan for example, malls run Qixi promotions similar to Western Valentine’s Day. Japan honors Tanabata rooted in the same legend, by writing wishes on colorful strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo branches. Korea and Vietnam each has their own version of the legend, although the customs are less commercial driven compared to China. Today, the meaning has broadened beyond romance to include love and caring among families, friends, and anyone dear to us.
While Western Valentine’s Day expresses romance through flowers and cards, the Qixi festival showcases its love through handmade pastry food and crafts. Blending the two would then mean combining DIY activities with beautiful flowers, a celebration that highlights a mixed cultural heritage and broader contemporary romance.
As Westford grows more diverse and residents embrace both local and global traditions, Qixi offers a glimpse into the universal theme of love. Instead of just an annual Valentine’s Day, why not enjoy it bi-annually? With two Valentine’s Days a year, there’s twice the chance to refresh romance and celebrate love – perhaps over some pastries and, of course, flowers. Or rather, pastry-made flowers.
