Qixi Festival celebrates ancient Chinese traditions and customs

The Qixi Festival, often referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day, is an ancient tradition rooted in legend, prayer, and cultural activities. Observed on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is celebrated in China, Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.

In Beijing, the Folk Custom Museum hosted activities under the program “Asking for Skills,” a tradition where women historically prayed for dexterity and showcased their craftsmanship. The museum, located in the Dongyue Taoist Temple, has held these events for 14 years to help younger generations engage with traditional customs.

Activities included classical music performances, dyeing fingernails with garden balsam, and Song brocade bead painting. Participants also engaged in making “qiaoguo,” a decorative pastry, to embody the concept of “qiqiao,” which focuses on the pursuit of skill and dexterity.