Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's Day, is more than romance.
七夕,中国的情人节,不仅仅是浪漫。
It is an ancient tradition rooted in legend, prayer, and cultural activities.
它是一个古老的传统,源于传说、祈祷和文化活动。
The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which was Aug. 19 in 2026.
这个节日在农历七月初七,2026年是8月19日。
It is also celebrated in Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
新加坡、越南和其他亚洲国家也庆祝这个节日。
Beijing's Folk Custom Museum held activities on Wednesday under a program called "Asking for Skills."
北京的民俗博物馆周三在名为“乞巧”的活动中举办了活动。
This reflects a tradition where women historically prayed for skillfulness and showed their abilities through crafts.
这反映了一个传统,历史上女性通过手工艺祈求灵巧并展示自己的能力。
Jia Juan, who works in the museum's Public Education Department, said they hope young audiences understand traditional festivals through interactive experiences.
在博物馆公共教育部工作的贾娟说,他们希望通过互动体验让年轻观众了解传统节日。
The museum has hosted Qixi events for 14 years, drawing about 500 people each time.
博物馆举办七夕活动已有14年,每次吸引约500人参加。
The program included classical music and hands-on activities.
活动包括古典音乐和动手实践项目。
One activity involved dyeing fingernails with garden balsam, a natural pigment tied to beauty and blessings.
一项活动是用凤仙花染指甲,这是一种与美丽和祝福相关的天然颜料。
Another featured Song brocade bead painting, combining silk with pearls that symbolize good fortune.
另一项活动是宋锦珠画,将丝绸与象征好运的珍珠结合在一起。
Participants created sachet-shaped paintings meant to embody "qiqiao," a concept about pursuing skill and dexterity.
参与者制作了香囊形状的画作,意在体现“乞巧”,这是一个关于追求技巧和灵巧的概念。
Wang Xuejie attended with her 7-year-old daughter and made "qiaoguo," a molded pastry.
王雪洁带着7岁的女儿参加了活动,并制作了“巧果”,这是一种模具压制的糕点。
Jia said the festival's history traces back to ancient star worship.
贾娟说,这个节日的历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.
这个浪漫传说讲的是织女和牛郎,他们每年在鹊桥上相会一次。
In Singapore, researcher Lynn Wong launched Qixi Fest in 2023 to revive the festival.
在新加坡,研究员王琳于2023年发起七夕节,以复兴这个节日。
Hor Xin Hao, of Cantonese descent, preserves traditional observances, praying to the Seven Maidens with offerings like incense and cosmetics.
何新豪是广东人后裔,他保留传统习俗,用香和化妆品等供品向七仙女祈祷。
Hor said the Valentine's Day label narrows the festival's original meaning, which celebrates traditional values and ancestral legacy.
何新豪说,中国情人节这个标签缩小了节日的本意,而本意是庆祝传统价值观和祖先遗产。