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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.

Written by our column writer Hao Zhuo.

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