The Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This festival is based on the romantic legend of two lovers, Niulang (a cowherd) and Zhinu (a weaver girl), who are allowed to meet only once a year on this day. The Qixi Festival is a time for celebrating love and romance.
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Qixi Festival Dates
To help you plan for Qixi Festival celebrations, here are the upcoming dates for the next few years:
| Year | Lunar Date | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7th day of 7th month | 10 August | Saturday |
| 2025 | 7th day of 7th month | 30 July | Wednesday |
| 2026 | 7th day of 7th month | 19 August | Wednesday |
| 2027 | 7th day of 7th month | 8 August | Sunday |
Celebrations and Traditions
The Qixi Festival is celebrated with various customs that focus on love, romance, and the art of weaving, as Zhinu is a weaver in the legend.
Traditional Practices
- Weaving and Needlework: Women display their weaving and needlework skills to honour Zhinu and seek blessings for good craftsmanship.
- Praying for Love: Young women pray for a good marriage and happiness in love.
- Offering Fruits and Flowers: Offerings of fruits and flowers are made to Niulang and Zhinu to seek their blessings.
- Romantic Dinners: Couples often celebrate with romantic dinners, exchanging gifts and spending time together.
Observing Qixi Festival in Malaysia
The Qixi Festival is celebrated by the Chinese community in Malaysia with various activities that emphasize love and romance. The festival is a blend of traditional customs and modern celebrations, making it a unique and culturally rich event.
Popular Questions About Qixi Festival
Is the Qixi Festival a public holiday in Malaysia?
No, the Qixi Festival is not a public holiday in Malaysia. It is a cultural observance celebrated by the Chinese community.
How do people celebrate the Qixi Festival in Malaysia?
People celebrate the Qixi Festival by displaying their weaving skills, making offerings of fruits and flowers, praying for love and a good marriage, and enjoying romantic dinners with their partners.
What is the significance of weaving and needlework during the Qixi Festival?
Weaving and needlework are significant during the Qixi Festival as they honour Zhinu, the weaver girl in the legend. Women display their skills to seek blessings for good craftsmanship and success in their artistic endeavors.
Why is the Qixi Festival known as Chinese Valentine’s Day?
The Qixi Festival is known as Chinese Valentine’s Day because it celebrates the romantic legend of Niulang and Zhinu, who are allowed to meet only once a year on this day. The festival emphasizes love, romance, and the bond between couples.
For more details and updates on Malaysia’s public holidays and observances, visit our official Malaysia holiday calendars.