Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's Day, is more than romance.
七夕,也就是中國情人節,不只是關於浪漫。
It is an ancient tradition rooted in legend, prayer, and cultural activities.
這是一個古老的傳統,根源於傳說、祈禱和文化活動。
The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which was Aug. 19 in 2026.
這個節日是在農曆七月初七,2026年時是8月19日。
It is also celebrated in Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
新加坡、越南和其他亞洲國家也會慶祝這個節日。
Beijing's Folk Custom Museum held activities on Wednesday under a program called "Asking for Skills."
北京的民俗博物館在週三舉辦了名為「乞巧」的活動。
This reflects a tradition where women historically prayed for skillfulness and showed their abilities through crafts.
這反映了一項傳統,過去女性會祈求心靈手巧,並透過手工藝展現自己的能力。
Jia Juan, who works in the museum's Public Education Department, said they hope young audiences understand traditional festivals through interactive experiences.
在博物館公眾教育部門工作的賈娟表示,他們希望年輕觀眾透過互動體驗來了解傳統節日。
The museum has hosted Qixi events for 14 years, drawing about 500 people each time.
這間博物館舉辦七夕活動已有十四年,每次吸引約五百人參加。
The program included classical music and hands-on activities.
活動內容包括古典音樂和動手做的活動。
One activity involved dyeing fingernails with garden balsam, a natural pigment tied to beauty and blessings.
其中一項活動是用鳳仙花染指甲,這是一種與美麗和祝福有關的天然顏料。
Another featured Song brocade bead painting, combining silk with pearls that symbolize good fortune.
另一項活動是宋錦珠畫,把絲綢和象徵好運的珍珠結合在一起。
Participants created sachet-shaped paintings meant to embody "qiqiao," a concept about pursuing skill and dexterity.
參與者創作了香囊形狀的畫作,目的是體現「乞巧」,這是一個關於追求技巧和靈巧的概念。
Wang Xuejie attended with her 7-year-old daughter and made "qiaoguo," a molded pastry.
王雪潔帶著七歲的女兒參加,並製作了「巧果」,這是一種模製的糕點。
Jia said the festival's history traces back to ancient star worship.
賈娟說,這個節日的歷史可以追溯到古代的星象崇拜。
The romantic legend involves Zhinü, a weaver girl, and Niulang, a cowherd, who reunite once a year on a magpie bridge.
這個浪漫傳說講的是織女和牛郎,他們每年在鵲橋上團聚一次。
In Singapore, researcher Lynn Wong launched Qixi Fest in 2023 to revive the festival.
在新加坡,研究員黃琳在2023年發起了七夕節,目的是復興這個節日。
Hor Xin Hao, of Cantonese descent, preserves traditional observances, praying to the Seven Maidens with offerings like incense and cosmetics.
何信豪是廣東後裔,他保留傳統的慶祝方式,用香和化妝品等供品向七仙女祈禱。
Hor said the Valentine's Day label narrows the festival's original meaning, which celebrates traditional values and ancestral legacy.
何信豪說,情人節的標籤縮小了這個節日原本的意義,而這個節日是在慶祝傳統價值和祖先的傳承。