How many alternative names does the Qixi Festival have
The Qixi Festival has many alternative names, such as Qiaoxi, Chuanzhen Festival, Nü'er Festival, Xiaohai Festival, Lan Ye, Shuangqi, Qiqiao Festival, Qijie Festival, Qixi Sacrifice, etc.1. Qiaoxi: Because there is a custom of "Qiqiao" on the Qixi Festival, it is called Qiaoxi.
2. Chuanzhen Festival: Because there is a custom of threading needles on this day, it is called so. Threading needles to beg for skill was the earliest form of "Qiqiao," starting in the Han Dynasty and continuing through later generations.
3. Nü'er Festival: The Qixi Festival mainly features activities such as young girls worshiping the Immortals and begging for skill, so it is called the Nü'er Festival, also known as the "Young Girls' Festival."
4. Xiaohai Festival: Because customs like begging for skill and wisdom were mostly carried out by young girls and children, it is called the Xiaohai Festival.
5. Lan Ye: In ancient times, the seventh lunar month was called "Lan Yue," so the Qixi Festival is also called "Lan Ye."
6. Shuangqi: Because both the month and the day are seven, it is called Shuangqi, also known as "Chongqi."
Why is the Qixi Festival called the Qiqiao Festival
The Qixi Festival is also known as the "Qiqiao Festival," because there is an activity called "Qiqiao" on the Qixi Festival.The "Qiqiao" activity originated from the "Qijie Birthday." It is said that the seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the birthday of the Seven Sisters, and "Qiqiao" is one of the important customs of the "Qijie Birthday," hence it is also called the "Qiqiao Festival." According to folk legend, the Seven Sisters were skilled weavers in the sky. In old times, young women would "beg for skill" from the Seven Sisters, hoping she would teach them the art of being dexterous. In fact, what is called "Qiqiao" is actually "Douqiao" (showcasing skills), and the "Qiqiao Festival" became another alternative name for the Qixi Festival.
