This festival originates from a sad and beautiful love fairy tail. It is said that, thousand years ago, a cowherd (Altair) falls in love with a fairy maiden (Vega). Their love violates all gods in heaven, and they forbid this fairy maiden to come down the earth see the cowherd again. Even though they can't see each other anymore, they still are deeply in love with each other. Magpies are touched by their love. On every July 7th, magpies will fly from earth to heaven and build a bridge of many magpies to give this lover a chance to see each other.
However, there are some disagreements about whether this festival should be Chinese Valentine's day or not. Some sociologists consider the day on July 7th should be the Chinese Girl's day. It is said that if you look up in the sky, you can see Altair and Vega coincide in the Milky Way. If you listen carefully, you can also hear how they express their love for each other from heaven. In this very romantic evening, girls will put on some fresh fruits and pastries and worship Vega. They will face the moon and pray Vega can give them intelligent mind, skillful hands and perfect marriage. Qiao Guo (fried thin paste) is a special dim sum on this day. Therefore, the day on July 7th also called the Qi Qiao Festival (Begging Festival).
In addition, it is said that the day on July 7th is for students to worship Kui Xing (the four stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper). According to the legend, July 7th is the birthday of Kui Xing. Kui Xing is a god who is responsible for examination and promotion. In the ancient times, some students will also worship Kui Xing on July 7th.
Even though there are many other versions of what festival should be on July 7th, many chinese people still consider it as the Chinese Valentine's day. As for me, I would love to spend that day as Valentine's day, especially after I missed the Valentine's day on February 14th with my boyfriend due to the long distance.