The Cowherd & the Weaver Girl
A bridge of magpies once a year
The mortal cowherd (star Altair) and the heavenly weaver girl (star Vega), separated by the Milky Way and reunited once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, by a bridge of magpies.
01Why it matters
It is the basis of Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's, and spread to Japan (Tanabata) and Korea (Chilseok). A love written in the sky.
02The conflict
The separation imposed by the Queen of Heaven.
03The iconic moment
The annual reunion on the bridge of magpies.
04What survived
The Qixi festival; stargazing for Vega and Altair.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of The Cowherd & the Weaver Girl famous?
It is the basis of Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's, and spread to Japan (Tanabata) and Korea (Chilseok). A love written in the sky.
How does the story of The Cowherd & the Weaver Girl end?
The annual reunion on the bridge of magpies. The Qixi festival; stargazing for Vega and Altair.
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