从太阳娘娘到月下老人解析中国传统节日背后的神话故事
From Sun Mother to Matchmaker: Unveiling the Mythological Roots of Chinese Traditional Festivals
In the vast expanse of Chinese culture, festivals hold a special place. They are not merely celebrations; they carry with them the essence of China's rich history and mythology. This article will delve into two significant festivals - Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) and Qixi Festival (Double Seventh Festival) - exploring their connections to mythological tales.
Qingming Festival is one of China's most important traditional holidays, celebrated on or around April 5th every year. It commemorates the death anniversary of Confucius and marks the beginning of springtime. The festival has its roots in ancient myths revolving around filial piety, which was a core value in Chinese society.
The story behind this festival lies in "The Story of Meng Po," an old folk tale that tells about a loyal daughter who visits her mother's tomb every year during Qingming to clean it up and offer sacrifices. In this way, she honors her mother's memory while demonstrating her devotion as a filial child.
Another pivotal figure associated with this festival is Zhong Kui, also known as "The Protector God." According to legend, he was once an official who was unfairly demoted by his superior due to jealousy. After his death, he became an immortal spirit tasked with protecting people from evil spirits during Qingming when ancestral spirits were believed to return home for visitation.
Qixi Festival falls on July 7th or August 7th depending on lunar cycles and celebrates love between two star-crossed lovers - Weaving Maiden (Zhinü) and Cowherd (Niu Lang). Their story dates back over 4 millennia ago when gods decided that these celestial beings should be separated by crossing rivers formed from heavenly bodies like stars and clouds after they fell deeply in love.
Weaving Maiden was banished from heaven because she married Niu Lang against divine wishes while Niu Lang used magic cowhide sandals given by an old man named Chang'e – another famous celestial figure known for being banished from heaven herself – so he could reach heaven without getting caught by gods' guards called Heavenly Soldiers or Heavenly Guardians.
One day each year at sunset on Qixi Eve (the night before Qixi), Weaving Maiden would cross over Milky Way Bridge created outta countless twinkling stars using magical silken threads spun within hours only during such moments when both souls were reunited momentarily before returning back respectively through other ends towards their respective domains till next time reunion happens again under identical conditions following same yearly pattern since then ever since eternity began until end times come near us all together now soon enough later someday somewhere else further ahead beyond our sight but never too far away just right there close enough yet still hiding deep within hearts where truest loves reside forevermore always eternally bound together inseparable no matter what challenges we face through trials we go through life experiences shared collectively along journeys taken hand-in-hand side-by-side step-by-step footstep after footstep heart-to-heart breath-to-breath soul-to-soul intertwined entwined forevermore throughout all eternity past present future wherever whenever however however you choose let your heart guide you toward happiness joy contentment peace harmony balance equilibrium inner peace outer tranquility perfect unity complete wholeness wholeheartedness pure unconditional unwavering unshakeable infinite eternal endless boundless limitless limitless love
