Thất Tịch Festival traditions involve red bean consumption for love

The Thất Tịch Festival, observed on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, is deeply connected to the legend of Ngưu Lang and Chức Nữ. This day is widely recognized as a time to pray for love, fidelity, and successful marriages.

A prominent modern tradition involves consuming red bean dishes, such as red bean sweet soup (chè đậu đỏ). This practice, which originated among youth in China and spread to other regions, stems from the belief that the red color symbolizes luck, happiness, and romantic connection. Single individuals often eat red beans in hopes of finding a partner, while couples consume them to foster long-lasting relationships.

Beyond food, common activities during the festival include visiting temples to pray for romantic luck and expressing affection toward partners. Feng shui expert Nguyễn Song Hà notes that while red beans are culturally viewed as symbols of good fortune and love in countries like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, the actual fulfillment of romantic desires remains a matter of individual destiny.