What are the customs of the Qixi Festival? On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, there are many customs of the Qixi Festival, one of which is the worship of the moon. Why do people worship the moon on Qixi Festival? Because the moon is considered a lucky symbol in the hearts of women. On this day of Qixi Festival, ancient women would tell their innermost feelings to the moon, which is called "worshiping the moon."

What are the customs of the Qixi Festival

1、Worship of the Weaving Maid
On the day of the Qixi Festival, women worship the Weaving Maid! On the day of the Qixi Festival, young girls and women fast for a day, take a bath at night, and then set up a table under the moonlight, placing offerings on it. They all gather at the altar, burn incense, and pay homage. After the worship, they all sit around the table, eating melon seeds and peanuts while silently praying towards the direction of the Weaving Maid constellation. They usually disperse late at night.
2、Worship of the Kui Star
On the day of the Qixi Festival, men worship the Kui Star! It is said that July 7th is the birthday of the Kui Star. The Kui Star is the star of the Big Dipper. In folk beliefs, the Kui Star is in charge of literary affairs, and exams are under his jurisdiction. Therefore, many students who wish to achieve academic success will worship the Kui Star on the day of the Qixi Festival, praying for his protection so that they can pass their exams successfully and be listed on the golden scroll. The idiom "winning the first prize in one go" comes from this.

Why do people worship the moon on Qixi Festival

The worship of the moon on Qixi Festival originated from the ancient people's worship of the moon, which evolved from the ancient moon worship activities. The legend of Diaochan worshipping the moon is the most well-known.
In ancient times, people had the activity of worshiping the moon deity, usually on the new moon day, i.e., the 1st or 2nd of the lunar month. In ancient times, women often had the custom of worshiping the moon. In traditional culture, the moon has always been a symbol of good fortune for women. They often prayed to the moon or confided their feelings to it. There has been a tradition of women worshiping the moon since ancient times, especially on the Qixi Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, which are traditional festivals passed down to this day. The custom of worshiping the moon on Qixi Festival has also been preserved.