What is the Seventh Night Festival?
The Seventh Night Festival, celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year, is a special occasion often marked by the falling of the Ngâu rain. Considered the Eastern equivalent of Valentine’s Day, the festival can be seen as Asia’s version of the Western holiday celebrated on February 14th.
Red bean dessert is a must-have dish on the Seventh Night Festival
When is the Seventh Night Festival in 2024?
In 2024, the Seventh Night Festival will fall on Saturday, August 10th, corresponding to the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
Origin of the Seventh Night Festival
The festival originates from East Asian countries such as Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan, and is known as a celebration of love associated with the folklore tale of Niu Lang and Zhinü.
In Vietnam, this day is often referred to as “Ông Ngâu Bà Ngâu” day, as it is believed that the falling Ngâu rain represents the tears of happiness shed by Niu Lang and Zhinü when they are reunited after a year of separation.
According to the legend, Niu Lang was a cowherd, and Zhinü was a weaver girl. They fell in love and, as a result, neglected their duties, angering the Jade Emperor who separated them, placing one at each end of the Milky Way. However, their unwavering love moved the Jade Emperor, who allowed them to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. A flock of magpies formed a bridge (known as the Magpie Bridge) to enable the couple to cross the Milky Way and reunite.
The name “Ông Ngâu Bà Ngâu” derives from the tears of joy shed by the couple upon their reunion, which then turned into the falling Ngâu rain. Thus, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month became a day to honor unwavering love, known as the Seventh Night Festival in Eastern culture.
What is done on the Seventh Night Festival?
On this festival, young Vietnamese often visit temples to pray for love, and it is customary to eat red bean desserts. The reason for this tradition lies in the folk belief that the color red signifies good luck, and consuming red beans on this day is thought to bring good fortune in love. Single individuals hope to find their soulmates, while couples wish for their love to endure.
As such, the red bean dessert holds a special significance during the Seventh Night Festival, symbolizing the hope for enduring love and good fortune.
The Seventh Night of the Seventh Month: A Sweet Escape from Singledom.
Legend has it that eating red bean pudding on the Qixi Festival will bring love to singles and eternal bliss to couples.
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Add this to red bean soup: Quick and easy recipe for a shorter cooking time.
With the following red bean soup recipe on the Festival of the Double Seventh, you will have a delicious, creamy dish that takes minimal cooking time.
