Valentine's Day in the West
Western Valentine's Day, February 14 of the Gregorian calendar, is a traditional holiday in Western countries and one of the most romantic holidays in the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Roman times.
According to legend, during the ancient Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius II forbade soldiers to marry in order to strengthen his army. A priest named Valentine defied the ban and secretly held a wedding for the soldiers. Eventually, Valentine was executed by Claudius II. In honor of this saint who died for love, people designated his sacrifice day as Valentine's Day.
Chinese Valentine's Day
Chinese Valentine's Day, that is, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, also known as Qixi Festival, Qiqiao Festival, Qiqiao Festival, and Daughter's Day, is one of the traditional Chinese festivals. Its origins can be traced back to antiquity.
In ancient times, the Qixi Festival was a festival dominated by women, with the theme of blessing, begging, and love. People will hold various activities on this day, such as begging Qiao, worshipping the Weaver Girl, threading needles and begging, eating Qiaoguo, Saiqiao, etc.
The difference between Chinese and Western Valentine's Day
Although Chinese and Western Valentine's Day are the same as Valentine's Day, they are different in origin, cultural connotation and celebration methods.
The origin is different
Valentine's Day in the West originated in ancient Roman times and is associated with a priest named Valentine. Chinese Valentine's Day originated in ancient times and is related to the love legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
The cultural connotations are different
Valentine's Day in the West is a holiday all about love, and people will show their love and give gifts to each other on this day. The cultural connotation of Chinese Valentine's Day is richer, in addition to love, it also includes traditional customs such as praying for blessings and begging.
Celebrate differently
Valentine's Day is celebrated in the West in a more straightforward way, with people exchanging gifts such as roses, chocolates, and jewelry to express their love. Chinese Valentine's Day is celebrated in a more traditional way, and people will hold various traditional activities on this day, such as begging for Qiao, worshipping the Weaver Girl, threading needles and begging, eating Qiaoguo, Saiqiao, etc.
Summary
Although Chinese and Western Valentine's Day are the same as Valentine's Day, they are different in origin, cultural connotation and celebration methods. Valentine's Day in the West is a holiday all about love, while Valentine's Day in China has a richer cultural connotation.