ETCs: Happy Chinese Valentine's Day

Today is the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. I received an email from China with a warm greeting for Chinese Valentine's Day. I was surprised because it didn't occur to me that they have one. Then again, if there's a Chinese New Year, why not have a Chinese Valentine's Day, right?

(image from China Highlights)

(image from Sustainable Gains)

Chinese Valentine's Day or Qi Xi (Double Seven) Day revolves around the story of an orphaned cowherd named Niu Lang and a fairy from heaven named Zhi Nu. The two fell in love and had 2 children - a boy and a girl. The God of heaven disapproved of the marriage that he had the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens order Zhi Nu's return.

With the help of celestial cattles, Niu Lang and his children went to heaven to follow Zhi Nu. Just when they were about to reach Zhi Nu, the Queen Mother took out her gold pin and with a stroke of her hand, a river appeared in between them. Destined to be separated from each other

Niu Lang and Zhi Nu could only feel their tears.

Touched by their love for each other, ten thousand magpies came together to build a bridge so that the two can be together. This moved the Queen Mother that she allowed Niu Lang and Zhi Nu to meet every 7th day of the 7th lunar month.

As for A and I, everyday is Valentine's Day. After a simple dinner of instant pansit canton, we snuggled up on the daybed to watch White Chicks. We've seen this movie a number of times, and I still love how A laughs at the same jokes. It is such a good way to end the day.

Qíng rén jié kuài lè (pronounced "ching ruhn jei kwai luh") everyone!