On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, China celebrates 七夕节. These days, it is celebrated as a Chinese Valentine’s Day, with flowers, chocolates, and all. However, the history of the holiday is much more than a simple box of chocolates. Learn about the old story and some of the modern day customs in this short video.

今天是七夕
jīn tiān shì qī xì
Today is Qi Xi.

中国情人节
Zhōng guó qíng rén jié
China Valentine’s Day

七夕节
Qī xì jié
The Night of Sevens Festival

牛郎
niú láng
Cow Herder

织女
zhī nǚ
Weaver Maiden

银河
yín hé
Milky Way

鹊桥
què qiáo
Magpie bridge

一般 他们在银河两边
yì bān tāmen zài yínhé liǎng biān
Usually, they are on opposite sides of the Milky Way.

每年他们可以在鹊桥上见面
měi nián tā men kě yǐ zài què qiáo shàng jiàn miàn
Every year, they can meet on the Magpie Bridge.

放花灯
fàng huā dēng
send out a festive lantern

为了爱许愿
Wèi le ài xǔ yuàn
Wish for love

为了丈夫许愿
Wèi le zhàng fū xǔ yuàn
Wish for a husband

为了孩子许愿
Wèi le hái zi xǔ yuàn
Wish for a child

幸运
xìng yùn
good luck/fortune