
What is Qixi Festival and When It Is Celebrated?
Have you heard whispers of a romantic festival celebrated under a starlit sky? This isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day – it’s the Qixi Festival, a centuries-old Chinese tradition steeped in celestial myths and heartfelt emotions.
Also known as the Double Seventh Festival, it falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year. But why does it call Double Seventh Festival? In Chinese tradition, number seven holds special cultural and symbolic importance. It is often associated with luck and perfection. Therefore, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month is considered doubly auspicious, hence the name “Double Seventh Festival” or “Qixi Festival” (Qixi literally means “Seven Evening” in Mandarin).
Mark your calendars, because in 2024, the Qixi Festival falls on Saturday, August 10th, making it the perfect occasion to celebrate love with your special someone.
- Our Google reviews shows that customers are satisfied with our floral arrangement services with fresh and high quality flowers.
READ MORE: White On White, Best Florist in Malaysia
Why Do Chinese Celebrate the Qixi Festival?
The Qixi Festival or Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love. Legend tells the story of Zhinü, a weaver goddess, and Niulang, a humble cowherd, who fell deeply in love.
However, their celestial duties kept them apart, with only one night a year – the seventh day of the seventh lunar month – allowed for their reunion on a bridge formed by magpies.
This night symbolizes the strength of their love, overcoming even the vastness of the Milky Way. Today, it has evolved into a day for couples to express affection and for single individuals to seek love and happiness.
How Do We Celebrate Qixi Festival?
Traditions surrounding the Qixi Festival have evolved over time, but the essence remains the same – to celebrate love and romance.
In ancient times, young women would gather on this night to showcase their weaving skills in the hopes of attracting a good husband, just like the weaver goddess Zhinü. They would also offer prayers and wishes to the stars for a happy and prosperous love life.
Today, the Qixi Festival is a more social celebration. Couples often go on romantic outings, enjoy exchanging Qixi Festival gift as tokens of their affection and having special meals together.
Traditional Qixi Festival treats include colorful “Qiqiao” noodles, symbolizing the bridge of magpies, and sweet “Niugao” (cowherd candy), a nod to Niulang.
Additionally, stargazing remains a popular activity, with couples gazing at the Milky Way and the Vega and Altair stars, representing Zhinü and Niulang.

Valentine's Day vs. Qixi Festival: What's the Difference?
In modern times, both Valentine’s Day and the Qixi Festival share common customs of expressing love with cards, flowers, and chocolates. However, these celebrations stem from distinct cultural origins and traditions.
Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day, originating from Western Christian traditions, is celebrated worldwide on February 14th. It commemorates Saint Valentine, known for performing marriages for soldiers forbidden to marry. Today, it’s a day when people exchange cards, flowers (especially roses), and chocolates to express romantic love.
Qixi Festival: Qixi, on the other hand, is steeped in Chinese mythology. It emphasizes a celestial love story and includes unique rituals like weaving and offerings to the heavens. Traditionally, the focus was on young women showcasing their skills and praying for a happy love life. Today, while elements like stargazing and offering prayers persist, the celebration has become more commercially driven, with couples indulging in romantic dinners, exchanging gifts like cards, flowers, and chocolates (similar to Valentine’s Day), and enjoying special Qixi Festival treats.
3 Simple Steps to Celebrate the Perfect Qixi Festival
Now that you understand the significance of Qixi Festival, let’s delve into the most exciting part – finding the perfect gift for your loved one! We’ve streamlined the process into three simple steps to ensure a memorable Qixi Festival celebration:
Step 1: Consider Your Loved One's Interests
Like any gift, personalization goes a long way. Is your partner a romantic at heart? Or do they prefer something sentimental? Think about their hobbies and passions. Do they love indulging in gourmet chocolates? A selection of handcrafted chocolates beautifully wrapped in a Qixi Festival theme would be ideal. Are they crafty themselves? Perhaps a DIY origami kit that allows them to recreate the magpie bridge could be a thoughtful option.
Step 2: Create a Romantic Gesture
Qixi Festival is all about celebrating love, so incorporate a romantic gesture into your gift. Write a heartfelt love letter expressing your admiration and gratitude. If you're feeling creative, compose a poem or short story inspired by the legend of Zhinü and Niulang. Even something simple like including a bouquet of their favorite flowers with the gift can add a special touch.
Step 3: Don't Forget the Presentation
Presentation matters! Make your gift visually stunning by wrapping it in beautiful Qixi Festival-themed paper adorned with traditional motifs. You can even add a small origami magpie or a handmade card with a sweet message. The extra effort shows you put thought and care into selecting the perfect gift.
Now that you understand the significance of Qixi Festival, let’s delve into the most exciting part – finding the perfect gift for your loved one! We’ve streamlined the process into three simple steps to ensure a memorable Qixi Festival celebration:
Bonus Tip:
With the Qixi Festival date approaching, popular Qixi Festival gift tend to sell out quickly. Don’t miss out on creating a lasting memory! Head over to our Qixi Festival Collection now and browse through a variety of unique and heartwarming gifts that are sure to make your loved one feel cherished. Don’t wait – time is ticking!
Celebrate Enduring Love with the Perfect Gift
The Qixi Festival, a timeless tale of love etched across the Milky Way, offers a unique opportunity to celebrate your special someone. From its mythological roots to the modern-day traditions, this festival is a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of love.
Whether you’re looking to recreate the romantic gestures of Niulang and Zhinü with a heartfelt letter, or simply want to find the perfect gift that reflects your affection, the Qixi Festival is a chance to go above and beyond.
Don’t miss out on creating a lasting memory! With the Qixi Festival approaching fast, popular gifts tend to disappear quickly. Browse through our exclusive Qixi Festival Collection now (link to your collection) and discover a treasure trove of unique and heartwarming gifts that will make your loved one feel cherished. From personalized presents to traditional treats, we have something for every taste.
This Qixi Festival, ignite the sparks of love and create a memory that will shine brighter than the stars in the Milky Way. Visit our collection today and find the perfect gift!

How to Pronounce Qixi?
- “Qi” (七): This character is pronounced like “chi” in “chip” but with a slightly higher pitch.
- “Xi” (夕): This character is pronounced like “shi” in “ship” but shorter and with a lighter emphasis.
Putting it together, you can pronounce “Qixi” as chi-shi with a slight emphasis on the “chi” sound.
What is the Difference Between Qixi Festival and 520?
Both Qixi Festival and 520 are occasions to celebrate love in China, but they have some key differences:
- Qixi Festival: This is the traditional Chinese Valentine’s Day, celebrated on a changing date each year based on the lunar calendar. It’s a romantic time with a beautiful legend and traditions like stargazing and eating special noodles.
- 520: This is a more modern way to say “I love you” in China. It’s not an official holiday, but people celebrate on May 20th because the date sounds like “wo ai ni” (I love you) in Chinese. It’s a casual way to show love with gifts and dates.
In short:
- Qixi Festival: Romantic legend, traditions, changing date
- 520: Modern way to say “I love you,” specific date (May 20th)
Do You Offer Same-Day Delivery for Qixi Festival?
Yes, absolutely! We can do same day flower delivery for order received before 4pm of that particular day. However, certain flowers, wrapping papers, vases and other items may not be available due to seasonal differences or inventory shortage. We reserve the right to make substitution with similar materials or items that are of equivalent or greater value at our discretion, without prior notice.
Can I give a Qixi Festival gift to someone who isn't my romantic partner?
Qixi Festival is for everyone! It’s not just about romantic love. You can totally give gifts to friends and family too. Think of it like a celebration of all kinds of love – like the love between best friends, the love for your awesome siblings, or even the love for your supportive work bestie. Here are some gift ideas:
- Friendship stuff: Matching bracelets, a cute card saying how much you appreciate them.
- Gifts they’ll love: A book they’ve been wanting, tickets to a fun event, something related to their hobbies.
- Homemade treats: Bake them cookies, decorate a mug with a message, or put together a basket of their favorite snacks.
Basically, show them you care! It’s Qixi Festival, a time to celebrate love in all its forms. So get creative and spread the love!
Is It Okay to Give a Western-style Valentine's Day gift for Qixi Festival?
Absolutely! While Qixi Festival has its own traditions and cultural significance, it’s perfectly okay to give a Western-style Valentine’s Day gift. You can give chocolates, flowers, or a romantic card because it still conveys that sentiment perfectly.
Remember: The key is to be thoughtful and show you care. Whether you choose a traditional Qixi Festival gift or a Western-style Valentine’s Day present, your gesture will surely be appreciated.
What Are Some Romantic Gestures I Can Incorporate with My Qixi Festival Gift?
You want to make your Qixi Festival gift extra special? Here are some easy ideas:
- Write a Love Letter: Inspired by the weaver goddess Zhinü’s skill, use your writing skills to express your deep affection. Write a heartfelt letter about what your loved one means to you and how grateful you are for their presence in your life.
- Personalized Gift Wrap: Wrap your gift in beautiful Qixi Festival themed paper with traditional motifs or even use star-shaped confetti. This creates a special presentation and shows you put extra thought into it.
- Sweet Surprise: Bake a delicious cake or buy their favorite one. Decorate it with a romantic message or Qixi Festival symbols like magpies or stars for an extra special touch!
- Romantic Playlist: If you’re planning a date night, create a playlist filled with love songs or music that reminds you of your special moments together. It sets a romantic mood and adds a personal touch.