Zee Wong

    zedwong@163.com

    DESPITE the distinctions between Chinese and Western cultures, many similarities can be found. “Seven” is a significant number in both cultures. The Bible states that God created the world in seven days while the “Taipingyulan,” an encyclopedia from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), says that Nu Wa, a goddess in Chinese mythology, created humankind on the seventh day.

    There are similar links regarding constellations. Taurus is the zodiac constellation that shaped like a bull’s head. It is associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. In Chinese, Taurus is called “Jinniuxing,” which means “golden bull star.” The bull is the guardian of love in the romantic legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day, Qixi Festival, which occurs on July 7 of the lunar calendar.

    In the story, the bull spoke for the freedom of love and was punished with mortality. He guarded the love between Niulang (the cowherd) and Zhinu (the weaver), who is the daughter of Tiandi (the supreme sky deity). The lovers’ affair violated the heavenly laws, so Wangmu, the Queen Mother who facilitates communication between deities and humans, sent Niulang into exile on the earth.

    When Niulang left, Zhinu was so sad that she dedicated all her time to weaving beautiful and stylish clouds, catering to the time and seasons. We call these clouds the garments of heaven, which imply perfection in Chinese. This perfection impressed Wangmu, so she permitted Zhinu a trip to the earth with some female companions. They went to the pool of green lotus for a bath.

    The bull knew about this trip and encouraged Niulang to steal Zhinu’s clothes, which were lying by the pool. Niulang did so. Therefore, Zhinu had to stay on the earth. They got married and Zhinu gave birth to a boy and a girl. Wangmu was infuriated and sent heavenly troops to capture Zhinu.

    Soon after Zhinu was captured, the bull died. On his dead bed, he told Niulang: “You can fly to Zhinu with my skin.” Niulang thanked the bull and chased after Zhinu with their children. When they almost reached her, Wangmu slit the sky with her hairpin and formed the Milky Way, which separates Niulang and Zhinu, two of the brightest stars in the sky. Two smaller stars in the sky are believed to be the two children.

    In the end, Wangmu thought it was a bit too cruel to separate the family, so she lets them meet on July 7 each year. On the day of Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine’s Day, many heavenly magpies would gather to bridge the Milky Way for the lovers and family to meet.

    In the past, single girls would make qiaoguo (fruit of dexterity), a crispy dessert as an offering to Zhinu. They would pray for skills and talents, especially in weaving, which often led to a good marriage in ancient China.