Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's Day, is more than romance.

It is an old tradition based on legend, prayer, and cultural activities.

The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

In 2026, that day was Aug. 19.

It is also celebrated in Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.

Beijing's Folk Custom Museum held activities on Wednesday.

They were part of a program called "Asking for Skills."

This reflects a tradition where women prayed for skillfulness in the past.

They also showed their abilities through crafts.

Jia Juan works in the museum's Public Education Department.

She said they hope young audiences understand traditional festivals through hands-on experiences.

The museum has hosted Qixi events for 14 years.

Each event draws about 500 people.

The program included classical music and hands-on activities.

One activity was dyeing fingernails with garden balsam.

This natural pigment is tied to beauty and blessings.

Another activity featured Song brocade bead painting.

It combines silk with pearls that symbolize good fortune.

Participants made sachet-shaped paintings.

These paintings represent "qiqiao," a concept about pursuing skill and dexterity.

Wang Xuejie came with her 7-year-old daughter.

They made "qiaoguo," a molded pastry.

Jia said the festival's history goes back to ancient star worship.

The romantic legend involves Zhinü, a weaver girl, and Niulang, a cowherd.

They meet once a year on a magpie bridge.

In Singapore, researcher Lynn Wong started Qixi Fest in 2023.

She wanted to bring the festival back to life.

Hor Xin Hao is of Cantonese descent.

He keeps traditional practices alive.

He prays to the Seven Maidens with offerings like incense and cosmetics.

Hor said the Valentine's Day label narrows the festival's true meaning.

That meaning celebrates traditional values and ancestral legacy.