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"I hired a first generation married Chinese lady about one year ago.
Within the last few months this lady and I have become very friendly."
ADAGIO5
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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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