qixi festival
Literal meaning "Evening of Sevens"
A traditional Chinese festival that is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the tale of love from Chinese mythology between a weaver girl, Zhinü, and a cowherd, Niulang. Also called the Chinese Valentine's Day, the Double Seventh Festival, the Night of Sevens, or the Magpie Festival.
Qixi inspired Tanabata, the Japanese equivalent written the same way. Despite the writing, the terms should not be used interchangeably. When Qixi made its way to Japan, other local traditions were incorporated into the festival. Notably hanging tanzaku on bamboos. Qixi applies strictly to the traditional Chinese version and Tananata strictly the Japanese version.
