This year's Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on Aug 17. Everyone, from the young to the old, has their own special way to mark this romantic holiday. We’ve gathered together stories of how people across China show their love to help inspire your plans for Qixi Festival.
With just one look at Wang Manke and Qiao Sen, you can tell the love has never faded between this elderly couple.
Wang, 90, and Qiao, 92, tied the knot 75 years ago in a small village in North China's Shanxi province.
A handmade embroidered purse Qiao gave Wang on their wedding day has become a token of love cherished by Wang through the years. "It's a local tradition for newlyweds to give presents to each other. I gave him this purse but got nothing from him," Qiao recalled as she flashed her husband a knowing smile.
The two didn't take photos as a couple until 1947, four years after their marriage, when Wang enlisted in the army, a decision that meant spending more time apart than together. "This could be the last time I took a photo. If I couldn't come back, at least I would have the photo to remind me of the memories," Wang said.
"We don't understand what is romantic -- we just know how to care for each other." Through years of marriage, they've come to know each other intimately and created a unique mutual understanding. In their relationship, Qiao is always the one that pays more attention to their daily lives. "I’ve made shoes for him all my life. He said the shoes I make for him are very comfortable." Qiao said. In return, Wang decided to learn cooking, as Qiao is not as healthy as before.
When talking about their marriage, which was arranged per local customs, Wang said their biggest regret is not having a marriage certificate, as their nuptials took place well before the implementation of the 1950 Marriage Law.
Now they have three children and four generations living under one roof. "She always supports me and I care for her very much. It's a simple life but I really feel happy," Wang said. Fatally ill bride dies during wedding ceremony
Yang Feng, 27, held a moving wedding ceremony in a hospital for his fiancee in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Sunday. But the 32-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with leukemia at 24, died before Yang put the ring on her finger. "She will be my true love forever," Yang said. Young couple keeps love alive while working the railway
Railway workers Pan Qing and Huang Min, who married last year and have a 1-year-old daughter, are busy serving passengers during the summer travel rush. As they work year-round and often do overtime in peak travel seasons, the two have less time to spend with families and loved ones. So they’ve chosen to celebrate this year's Qixi Festival, which falls on Aug 18, while on duty.
Pan and Huang are among six couples of the post-1990 generation working at the high-speed railway line's Chongqing section, where they dedicate their lives to caring for passengers. A little romance the Western way
Qixi Festival is a traditional holiday in China, but many young couples find inspiration from Western customs for celebrating love, turning to romantic meals, special wines, flowers and chocolates to show their affection. Many couples say 'I do' on Qixi Festival
Recent years have witnessed a marriage registration boom on Valentine's Day and Qixi Festival. Young lovers across the country rush to tie the knot on Qixi Festival, as they believe this special day will bring them good luck and a happy life.
(Source: China Daily)
