The Lunar Seventh day of the Seventh month has a romantic legend of a forbidden love story of the Cowherd, Niu Lang and the 7th daughter of the Jade Emperor, Zhi Nu.
According to legend, the Zhi Nu, also known as the weaving maiden, met and fell in love with Niu Lang on one visit to the earth. Both of them got married. When the Jade Empress found out about their unity, Zhi Nu was ordered to return to heaven. Thus, separates from her mortal husband.
However,
the Jade Empress took pity on the couple and allows them to meet once
a year which is on the 7th night of the Lunar 7th moon. Magpies would
line up to form a bridge on the sky which is the milky way for the
loving couple to reunite once again. This day is also known as the
Chinese Valentine’s Day. It is also called Qi Qiao festival or
Qi Xi.
On our sky, the two constellations of Lyra (Niu Lang) with Aquila (Zhi
Nu) and Cyruns (The Bridge) would appear in the east about the time corresponding
with the Qi Qiao festival. Take a look on the night sky at the end of
this July. You may be able to view this beautiful formation.
Wishing all couple a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Warmest
regards,
Yvonne
Teh
Geomancer.
Jul
2006
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