Double Seventh Festival in China Date in the current year: August 10, 2024

The Double Seventh Festival originates from a romantic legend about Zhinü and Niulang, who were the weaver girl and the cowherd respectively. Their love wasn't allowed and they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (a symbol of Milky Way). Only once a year a flock of magpies would form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day only.

The present-day festival is important for the Chinese girls. Traditionally they go to local temples to ask Zhinü for wisdom. They offer her paper goods, that are burned. The girls also make wishes to marry a loving and caring husband. During the festival the girls should show their domestic skills.

The festival is also important for newlywed couples. Celebration of this festival is a symbol that the woman is accepted and appreciated by husband's family.

During the celebration a festive festoon is placed in the yard. Girls and newlywed women pray and worship Zhinü, offering her fruit, tea, flowers and face powder. After the end of worship a half of face powder is thrown on the roof and the second half is divided between the girls as a symbol that they are bound in a beauty with Zhinü.