昨天是 七夕情人節，也被稱為「中國的情人節」——祝大家情人節快樂！
Yesterday was Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day — so, Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
不同於固定在 2 月 14 日的西方情人節，七夕是依照 中國傳統農曆 計算的，因此日期每年都會不同。今年農曆七月初七對應的西曆是 8 月 29 日。
Unlike the February 14th Valentine’s Day, Qixi follows the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, which means the date changes every year. This year, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month fell on August 29.
星河裡的愛情傳說 / A Love Written in the Stars
相傳，有一位樸實的牛郎愛上了織女——一位美麗的天上仙女與能幹的織布姑娘。雖然他們真心相愛，但卻遭到天庭阻止。最終，他們被銀河隔開，只能在每年的七月初七相見一次。據說，在這一天的夜晚，喜鵲會搭起一道橋，讓牛郎與織女能跨越銀河相聚。🌌
The story goes that a humble cowherd, Niulang, fell in love with Zhinü, a goddess and skilled weaver. Their love was true, but the heavens forbade it. As punishment, they were separated by the Milky Way, only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. On that night, legend says magpies fly across the sky to form a bridge, so the lovers can finally be together. 🌌
現代的七夕 / How People Celebrate Today
在今天，七夕的過法和西方情人節有些相似——送花、送巧克力、交換禮物，或一起享受浪漫的晚餐。不過，在傳統習俗中，年輕女子會展示自己的織布或刺繡手藝，希望獲得愛情與婚姻的祝福。有些家庭則會在夜裡抬頭觀星，尋找象徵牛郎與織女的牽牛星與織女星。
Fast forward to modern times, Qixi is often celebrated a bit like Western Valentine’s Day — with flowers, chocolates, gifts, and romantic dinners. But traditionally, young women would show off their weaving or embroidery skills, hoping for blessings in love and marriage. Some families still enjoy stargazing, looking for Vega and Altair, the stars that represent the two lovers.
不只是浪漫 / More Than Just Romance
我特別喜歡七夕的一點是，它不僅是情侶的節日，也提醒我們去慶祝各種形式的愛：伴侶之愛、家人之愛、朋友之愛，甚至對自己的愛。
身在澳洲的異鄉，不管是和心愛的人共度，還是與朋友小聚，甚至一個人好好犒賞自己，都值得為愛與幸福留下一點溫馨時光。💖
What I love about Qixi is that it’s not only about couples — it’s also a reminder to celebrate love in all its forms: love for your partner, your family, your friends, and even yourself.
Living in Australia, far from home, it feels extra special to take a moment to celebrate — whether you spent the day with someone you love, with friends, or simply treating yourself. After all, there’s never a bad day to appreciate the people (and moments) that make your life brighter. 💖
