‘The Moon of the Milky Way’ by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
4 The Cowherd and the Weaver
There was once a cow herder called Niu Lang, who was poor and owned nothing but an old ox, which was actually an immortal banished from heaven and made to live on earth as an animal. One day, the ox said to Niu Lang, “If you wish to get married, go to the lake, and your wish will be granted.”
Doing so, Niu Lang saw seven princesses descending from heaven to bathe in the lake. The youngest princess, who was skilled at weaving and called Zhi Nü, had her clothes blown away by a gust of wind, and could not return to heaven like her sisters without her celestial garb. Niu Lang helpfully returned her clothes and, fascinated by her beauty, asked for Zhi Nü’s hand in marriage. Tired of her secluded life in heaven, she agreed. Niu Lang and Zhi Nü fell in love, had two children, and lived happily for two years.
A year on earth equates to just a day in heaven, so when the princess was found to be missing after two celestial days, they traced her to Niu Lang’s village. Of course, Zhi Nü was made to return to heaven, leaving behind a distraught Niu Lang. The old ox then told Niu Lang that he was close to death, and to use his hide as a flying carpet to catch up to Zhi Nü. The cowherd thanked the animal and did just so, chasing after his wife in the sky. Seeing his approach, the heavenly empress took out her golden hairpin and drew a line in the sky to halt his progress. This slash became a torrential river—the Milky Way—and the two lovers were thus separated.
They were forced to reside on different stars, but out of compassion for the couple, magpies gathered to form a bridge across the Milky Way so that Niu Lang and Zhi Nü could meet. Even the heavenly emperor was moved by their love for each other and allowed such a meeting once a year.
Every year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the Chinese believe that these celestial lovers are having their annual reunion. This date is thus also celebrated as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, known as Qixi, or the Double Seventh Festival. This year, Qixi falls on 25 August, so have a look up at the night sky and see if you can spot their two stars!