The Legend Behind Chinese Valentine's Day

Unlike many other parts of the world, the Chinese celebrate love and relationships on a day other than the 14th of February. Their Valentine's Day, known as Qi Qiao Jie or the Seventh Eve, occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Like many Chinese holidays, there is a long history and deep tradition behind the seventh day of the seventh month that makes it so significant, especially for couples. Other than the difference in the day that the Chinese Valentine's Day occurs, there are differences in the gifts that are exchanged between couples. It is not as common to see flowers and chocolates exchanged between couples as it is in Western parts of the world, however there are still many romantic gestures and customs between loved ones on this day. In the past, colorful "shrines" made of paper, fresh fruit, and flowers are put up in as a tribute to the first two lovers of Qi Qiao Jie. As we see with many Chinese festivals and holidays,there are several legends which surround the origins of Chinese Valentine's Day. 

The first legend says that the seven daughters of the Goddess of Heaven caught the eye of a Cowherd during a visit to earth. The most beautiful daughter, the seventh born, caught the eye of the Cowherd, Niu Lang. Niu Lang decided to have a bit of fun by running off with the sisters' clothing. The seventh daughter took it upon herself to ask for their clothing back. After, Niu Lang and the daughter, Zhi Nu, were married. The couple lived happily for several years, but eventually the Goddess of Heaven missed her daughter and demanded she return to heaven. Despite her demand of a return, she took pity on the heart broken couple, and allowed them to be reunited once a year, the seventh night of the seventh moon. 

To commemorate the holiday, many lovers lie together and gaze at the star Vega, east of the Milky Way, a tradition that comes from another one of the legends that created Qiao Jie. This particular legend says that Niu Lang and Zhi Nu were fairies that lived on opposite sides of the Milky Way. They were quite lonely and the Jade Emperor of Heaven felt sorry for them, so he attempted to bring them together. Nui Lang and Zhi Nu became so love sick for one another that they spent every moment together and began to neglect their work. The Jade Emperor became annoyed at this, so he made a new law that the couple could only be together for one day of the year- the seventh night of the seventh moon. 

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How Asian Countries Commemorate Valentine’s Day

Just as how many countries around the world celebrate love and romance on February 14th, several Asian countries have their own unique ways of acknowledging the special holiday. 

In America, when most people think of Valentine’s  Day, one of the first things that comes to mind is chocolate. Cause what would the romantic holiday be without some chocolate right? Well, many South Koreans would definitely agree with this notion. In South Korea it is traditional for chocolate to be given to loved ones on the 14th of February, however, unlike America where the men traditionally give the gifts (not always!), in South Korea it is the women who are responsible for wooing the men on this day. The men then return the favor a month later on a different holiday, known as White Day. When compared to other countries, such as Japan, it has been said that Korean women are known for the high amounts of chocolate they shower on the men in their life on Valentine’s Day.

The Japanese version of Valentine’s Day also centers around chocolate, (because what else matters, right?!). Another similarity to South Korea is that the women are also the typical gift givers on this day. Unlike the United States, gifts of flowers, cards, or dinner dates are not terribly common and almost all of the gift giving focuses on chocolate. Another difference from the United States is that the gifts are not just giving to one’s romantic interests, but friends, family, and even coworkers. The amount of chocolate given to the man signifies how much he means to the woman and how important he is to her. Many female friends will exchange chocolate between them, a candy called “tomo-choko”, tomo literally meaning friend. But don’t worry, women aren’t the only ones who do the gift giving for Valentine’s Day. Men are expected to return the favor to whomever gave them chocolates by giving them a gift that is twice the cost of the chocolates. So everyone gets to feel special for Valentine’s Day. The romantic date night that many Westerners associate the holiday with is actually celebrated by many Japanese couples on Christmas Eve, a long standing tradition. Valentine’s Day wasn’t introduced to the country till 1936, as an advertising ploy to foreigners, but since then the celebration has really caught on. 

Unlike the rest of the world, Chinese couples prefer to celebrate their version of Valentine’s Day on a day other than February 14th. Chinese Valentine’s Day, also known as Qi Qiao Jie, occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Chocolates, candies, cards, and flowers are not typically exchanged on this day, but there are still many other romantic customs and gestures associated with their most romantic holiday. 

In the past, colorful "shrines" made of paper, fresh fruit, and flowers are put up in as a tribute to the first two lovers of Qi Qiao Jie. There are two legends which surround the origins of the holiday, both involving the position of the stars on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Like most of the Chinese holidays and festivals, there are many myths and legends, and a deep history behind this celebration of love. 

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Understanding the Meaning and Purpose of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

Most people have heard about the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals and may even know which sign is theirs, but many do not fully understand the origin, meaning, or purpose of the signs. The Chinese Zodiac and Lunar cycle can be confusing due to their intricate nature but as the Chinese New Year is approaching, it is important to understand exactly what they mean. 

Rather than January 1st, the day of the 2015 Chinese New Year begins February 19th because it follows the Chinese Lunar Calendar system, based on the movements of the moon. The coming of February 19th will mean the beginning of the 4712th Chinese year- wow!

The Chinese Zodiac was created as a system for counting years. The ancient time division was most often based upon the number 12; one ji equals 12 years, one year equals 12 months, and so on. This was most likely due to the fact that ancient people observed that there were 12 full moons in each year. So it makes sense that there would be 12 animal signs given to this counting system.

Where it starts to get even more complicated is that in addition to the 12 signs, the calendar is also connected to the five elements, (Earth, Water, Wood, Fire, and Metal). So each year is not only given an animal sign but also paired with one of the five elements. So 2015 is not only the Year of the Sheep, but more specifically the Year of the Wooden Sheep, because this year falls on wood for the five elements. This gives way to even more meaning and predictions for the upcoming year. 

The 12 Zodiac signs are purposed to represent a systematic plan of future events and actions, in other words it helps people to predict what is to be expected for that upcoming year. Or, if one knows their “sign”, it helps them to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and perhaps even their fortune. 

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What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign? (Part one)

The Chinese Zodiac, also called Sheng Xiao, is a huge component of the Chinese New Year. It is a twelve year cycle that corresponds to the Lunar calendar- and for each different year there is a different animal represented. It is believed that whichever animal sign was being represented during the year of your birth, also represents you as a person- everything from your strengths and weaknesses to your fortune. So what’s your Chinese Zodiac animal sign? 

1. The Rat

Your sign is the rat if you were born in the years:

1924

1936

1948

1960

1972

1984

1996

2008

Your strengths:

People born during the Year of the Rat are typically of high intelligence. Their curiosity and adaptability leads them to achieve a lot of success in life. They are generally personable and quite popular. Their key features associated with the animal include “wit, alertness, flexibility, and spirit.”

Your weaknesses:

With all strengths come certain weaknesses. And the weaknesses associated with lacking in bravery or courage. Their timid nature prevents them from being able to be a leader or taking on a lot of responsibility. Their interests in personal gain and success drives them but also makes them come across as selfish. 

those born during the Year of the Rat include lacking in the ability to command authority and

What does 2014 have in store for the rat?

2014 will be a year of many ups and downs for the rats. They will experience many highs as well as many lows, but it is important that even during the lows rats keep a positive attitude. It is advised for rats to keep a close eye on their health this year, especially regarding intestinal problems. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure to keep up with physical exercise. For any single rats, 2014 is your year for love! For rat couples, make sure to keep calm in conflict and participate in regular communication to maintain a healthy relationship this year.

2. The Ox

Your sign is the ox if you were born in the years:

1925

1937

1949

1961

1973

1985

1997

2009

Your strengths:

Those born during the Year of the Ox are considered honest and patient people. They work slowly and proceed with caution. Their concentration, strong will, and faith makes them not easily affected by what those around them think or do. They are generally quite tenderhearted and good natured people, who follow their beliefs and have strong morals. But above all, the ox values family and tradition. 

Your weaknesses:

The ox is not a good communicator, making them misunderstood and their talents sometimes go undiscovered. They are stubborn and fall back into their old ways instead of being open to change.

What 2014 has in store for the ox:

2014 will not be a year of great fortune for the ox, but do not get discouraged! Though it will not be a year of great successes, it will not be a year of great failures either. Just stay calm and focused and the year should go by smoothly. Those whose sign is the ox should try to get a lot of rest this year and maintain a regular exercise routine. This year, the ox may come across some unkind or overly competitive people at the workplace, but again- stay calm and react wisely in these situations. Although, the ox will not flourish in many ways this upcoming year, it is a good year for the ox to find love and be content with their social life.

3. The Tiger

Your sign is the tiger if you were born in the years:

1926

1938

1950

1962

1974

1986

1998

2010

Your strengths:

Tigers represent bravery and strength. In ancient times, many emperors were compared to tigers, because of their valiance, nobility, and power. Those born during the Year of the Tiger are considered to be well respected people who enjoy a challenge. They are quick, intelligent, and active. Because they speak their mind and are blunt, people find them easy to trust.

Your weaknesses:

The strength and power of a tiger can sometimes come at a cost. Tigers are often short-tempered and can clash with others, especially authority figures. They are very confident in their abilities, almost too confident, which can lead to difficulty cooperating with others.

What 2014 has in store for the tiger:

The beginning of the year will be dull and uneventful for the tiger, but as 2014 progresses, their luck will grow. Tigers will work hard this year, and it will show. This year, tigers can expect some sort of pay raise or promotion. They will be satisfied with their wealth and not accumulate any financial stresses or problems. Singles may find love this year, but overall 2014 may present some romantic road blocks for tigers. If you’re in a romantic relationship, make sure to avoid conflict by keeping communication open. Tigers can sometimes have a wandering eye, so make sure to stay away from that this year. 

To see the rest of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals and find which one correlates with your birth year- keep watch for "What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign: Part 2"!

The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival: The Legend Behind the Festival (Part One of Two)

Today, one of the most exciting Chinese festivals has finally arrived- The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival! This festival has been celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar for over 2,000 years and is held dear to the Chinese for its cultural as well as educational significance. 

The festival's purpose is for the people of China to dispel and ward off diseases, but it also circulates heavily around the legend of the great Chinese poet, Qu Yuan. 

During the Warring States Period, Qu Yuan acted as a minister in the State of Chu. After standing by his decision to fight against the state of Qin, which, at the time, was an extremely powerful state, he was ultimately exiled by the King. 

Despite this, Qu Yuan remained loyal and loving towards his country. To demonstrate this, he began to write poetry honoring famous individuals and passionately describing Chinese culture and tradition. 

This act of patriotism made him into a well-respected Chinese poet in the eyes of the people of China, a title that lasted throughout Chinese history. 

The legend does not end there. After concluding his last masterpiece, Huai Sha, he proceeded to drown himself in the river rather than have to stand by and see his country conquered by the State of Qin. 

The local people were so distressed by this news, that they rushed to the river and threw food into it to deter the fish and animals from Qu Yuan's body. This tradition still remains alive on the day of Qu Yuan's death, which legend says is the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese Lunar Calendar.