<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-09/Qixi-and-Valentine-s-Day-the-celebrations-of-love-1vVtMAGgwne/img/bd4b75840b1b4e2c806c229e0dc7d850/bd4b75840b1b4e2c806c229e0dc7d850.png' alt='An undated photo shows the folklore figures of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl made with sugar. /CFP'
Valentine’s Day, a globally celebrated holiday of romance, takes on unique cultural expressions and customs in both China and France.
China’s version of Valentine’s Day, known as Qixi Festival, originates from a touching love story – the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. According to the tale, on the seventh day of the seventh month of the traditional Chinese calendar, the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd are reunited across the Milky Way by a bridge of magpies. This day has since become a symbol of devoted love.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-09/Qixi-and-Valentine-s-Day-the-celebrations-of-love-1vVtMAGgwne/img/a9e1f1a5d10f4dfe9f835f79ab8687ae/a9e1f1a5d10f4dfe9f835f79ab8687ae.jpeg' alt='A variety of bouquets prepared for the Qixi Festival are seen at a flower shop in Nantong, Jiangsu Province on August 9, 2024. /CFP'
Today, Qixi has evolved into a special day for couples to express their love. Exchanging gifts, enjoying romantic dinners, and spending quality time together have become the main ways of celebrating. Qixi Festival will be celebrated on August 10 this year.
As the epitome of romance, France infuses Valentine’s Day with poetry and elegance. Every year on February 14, the French celebrate Valentine’s Day to honor love and the deep bond between partners. Flowers, chocolates, champagne, and candlelit dinners are the hallmarks of this romantic holiday in France.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-09/Qixi-and-Valentine-s-Day-the-celebrations-of-love-1vVtMAGgwne/img/ae11541bdb384f61a904cb1d80f7b0e8/ae11541bdb384f61a904cb1d80f7b0e8.jpeg' alt='A couple poses for a photographer in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024. /CFP'
Paris, the world’s most romantic city, draws countless couples for a pilgrimage of love during Valentine’s Day. Strolling along the Seine River and admiring the Eiffel Tower by night are favored activities for lovers.
Though the ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day in China and France differ, they are same in their expression of love and beauty.
