Valentine’s Day
Chinese Valentine’s Day
On the evening of the seventh day of the seventh month
on the Chinese lunar calendar, look carefully at the sky and
you will see the "Cowherd" (the star Altair) and the "Weaving
Maid" (the star Vega) appear closer together than at any
other time of the year. The Chinese people believe these
stars are lovers.
The double seventh is also an important day for young people in China.
“Chiniangma”, literally meaning "seven mothers," is the name of the
Weaving Maid and her six elder sisters, whom the Chinese believe are
protectors of children under 16. A custom begun in the Ching dynasty
requires parents, when a child reaches one year of age-16 years old, to
use a red thread to tie old coins under the child's neck, a protective
amulet from “Chiniangma.” In the past, some people have substituted a
silver coin or even a gold medal for the old coin. The red thread is
replaced with a new one on every double seventh until the child grows up.
In Taiwan, this “Chiniangma” custom is most common in the Tainan
area; on the double seventh, people go to Kailung Temple. For the
Chinese woman who craves to have a child, double seventh is the best day
of the year to beg “Chusheng Niangniang”, the Goddess of Birth. Anyway,
all some Chinese women care about is a child in their arms.
Western Valentine’s Day
Western Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In
ancient Rome, February 14th
was a holiday to honor St. Valentine. The following day, February 15th,
began the Feast of Lupercalia.
In old Roman times, the lives of young boys and girls were completely
separate. However, one of the
customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the
festival of Lupercalia the names of
Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each
young man would draw a girl's name
from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival
with the girl whom he chose.
The Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Today, Valentine’s Day becomes a very important day all
over the world. Gradually, February 14 became the date for
exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the
patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and
simple gifts such as flowers and candy. There was often a social
gathering or a ball.
Just remember to take care of love and romance.
Group :
902416-Bess-張瑋棋
902421-Cathy-王淳伃
902422-Jean-莊雅雲
902429-Sisco-陳怡穎
902430-Vicky-池孟芳
902459-Mandy-黃燕珊