Let me share an ancient love story here. It is one of my favourite stories. Every year on Qi Xi (literally translates as The Seventh of Night), a couple are able to reunite once a year. It was said that the boy named Niulang (means cowherd or constellation Altair) lived with his brother and sister- in-law. However, his sister-in-law was mean to him. She gave him nine cows and asked him come back with ten. If he did not do that, then he shall never return.
He was not Houdini. How could he turn nine cows into ten? Frustrated, he met with an elder who told him to take care of an aged Ox on the mountain. He did so, and in return, the Ox revealed himself as a deity. He told him about seven fairies who took bath in a nearby pool. So he went there.
Destiny made between him and the youngest sister of the seven fairies. Her name was Zhinü. It means weaver girl or the constellation Vega. They met and fell in love. After that, they married with two children.
However, their marriage upset the Goddess of Heaven or some version as Empress of Heaven because she married a mortal. Other version will note due to her marriage, she no longer have time weaving clothes. Therefore, the empress forbids them to stay together.
Niulang was sad as his wife left him. His love touched the Ox which told him if he peeled off its hide and wore it; he could fly to heaven to look for his wife.
When he reached the heaven, he finally sees her. But the goddess found out and using her hairpin, she scratched an endless river between them. They could only look at each other at the end of each side. It was said the river is Milky Way. Thus, Niulang took care of their two children afar.
Love can touch stonewall. Their love touched the Magpies and the empress. She allowed them to meet on The Seventh of Night every year. During that single day, magpies from all over the world will gather and form a bridge which Chinese called it “the Magpies' bridge”. Hence, Niulang and Zhinü are reunited in that night.
It also said in the legend if it rains at the night of Qi Xi, it means there are the tears of the couple.
So, are the place you stay is raining? Try to imagine the bridge of Magpies and cherish your lover.
This year Qi Xi fall on 7th of August.
