The Qixi Festival
What Is The Qixi Festival?
Qixi, also known as the Qixi Festival or the Double Seventh Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It’s often referred to as the "Chinese Valentine's Day" because it centers around a romantic legend.
The festival's most famous legend is the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. According to the tale, the Cowherd, a poor young man, and the Weaver Girl, a fairy from the heavens, fell in love and married. However, their love was disapproved of by the heavens, so the Weaver Girl's mother, the Queen of Heaven, separated them, placing them on opposite sides of the Silver River (often identified with the Milky Way). They are allowed to reunite only once a year at the Qixi Festival when a bridge of magpies forms across the river.
In celebration, people often engage in activities related to romance and love. Traditional customs include making and admiring intricate needlework (to honour the Weaver Girl’s skills), performing matchmaking activities, and offering fruits like pears and melons, which are thought to bring good fortune in love.
The festival combines elements of folklore, mythology, and cultural practices, making it a rich and meaningful occasion in Chinese culture.
Why We Celebrate Qixi?
At Lineage Ceramics, we view Qixi not just as a festival, but as an embodiment of the values and traditions that are integral to our identity. As a brand deeply rooted in the legacy of our Teochew heritage, celebrating Qixi holds special significance for us.
A Celebration of Love and Connection
Qixi, or the Double Seventh Festival, is a time to honour love, connection, and the bonds that bring people together—values that resonate deeply with our mission. Just as the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl symbolizes a reunion across distances, our ceramics aim to create moments of connection and togetherness. By celebrating Qixi, we align with the festival's spirit of cherishing relationships and bringing people closer through shared experiences.
Honouring Tradition Through Craftsmanship
Our history in ceramic tableware spans over a century, originating from the craftsmanship of our ancestors in Teochew. Qixi is a reminder of the traditions we uphold, and it inspires us to continue producing high-quality, timeless ceramics that reflect our heritage. Each piece we create is imbued with the same care and dedication that has been passed down through generations. By celebrating Qixi, we honour our lineage and the enduring legacy of our craft.
Creating Moments of Togetherness
The essence of Qixi—bringing people together to celebrate and share stories—is mirrored in our philosophy at Lineage. We believe that our ceramics are more than just tableware; they are tools for creating memories, fostering conversations, and strengthening bonds. By observing Qixi, we reinforce our commitment to crafting pieces that contribute to meaningful moments around the dining table.
For us, celebrating Qixi is a heartfelt way to connect with our roots, celebrate our heritage, and honour the values that guide us. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of family, tradition, and connection—principles that are at the heart of Lineage Ceramics.