Introduction

The Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day or Thất Tịch, is one of the most romantic and cherished festivals in Chinese culture. Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, it honors the legendary love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, two stars in Chinese folklore who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on this day.

The Qixi Festival is a celebration of love, devotion, and the union of couples, and it has become an occasion for couples to express their love for each other, whether through romantic gestures, gifting, or, of course, enjoying traditional foods together. Over time, the foods associated with this festival have evolved and taken on symbolic meanings, as they represent love, good fortune, and unity.

In this article, we will explore the traditional foods that are typically enjoyed during the Thất Tịch festival, focusing on the symbolism behind these dishes and the culinary traditions that have been passed down for generations.

1. Sweet Osmanthus Rice Cake (桂花糕)

One of the most popular foods associated with the Qixi Festival is sweet osmanthus rice cake or 桂花糕 (guìhuā gāo). This dessert is made from glutinous rice flour and flavored with osmanthus flowers, a symbol of love, beauty, and longevity in Chinese culture. The soft, chewy texture of the cake paired with the delicate, fragrant taste of the osmanthus flowers makes it a sweet and romantic treat.

In Chinese folklore, osmanthus flowers are considered symbols of love and are often associated with the idea of everlasting romance. The flowers bloom in late summer, around the time of the Qixi Festival, which makes them even more significant to this celebration. The sweetness of 桂花糕 is not just a delicious treat, but also a reflection of the sweet and enduring love that the festival honors.

The act of preparing and sharing 桂花糕 during Qixi is a gesture of affection, and couples often exchange this dessert to express their devotion to one another. The round shape of the cake also symbolizes completeness, unity, and harmony in relationships.

2. Qixi Dumplings (七夕饺子)

Dumplings, or 饺子 (jiǎozi), are an essential part of Chinese cuisine, and they play an important role in many festivals, including the Qixi Festival. In celebration of love and unity, many families and couples prepare special Qixi dumplings that are shaped in various forms to represent love and good fortune.

One of the most popular variations of Qixi dumplings is the love dumpling, which is shaped like a heart or decorated with intricate designs that symbolize the bond between lovers. The filling is often a combination of meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, but sweet fillings such as red bean paste or osmanthus flowers are also used to make the dumplings more festive.

The act of making dumplings together during Qixi is a fun and symbolic activity. It represents teamwork and cooperation, which are key components of a strong and lasting relationship. The dumplings are often enjoyed as a family or shared between couples, reinforcing the theme of togetherness and the celebration of love.

3. Peaches (桃子)

Peaches, or 桃子 (táozi), hold great symbolic significance in Chinese culture, often representing longevity, immortality, and the union of two hearts. During the Qixi Festival, peaches are often used in various dishes, desserts, or served as fresh fruit.

The association between peaches and love stems from Chinese mythology, where the Peach of Immortality is said to grant eternal life. During the Qixi Festival, peaches are often offered as a symbol of an everlasting and undying love, much like the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

Peach-shaped desserts or pastries are commonly prepared during the festival to honor the legend. These treats are often filled with sweet fillings such as lotus seed paste or red bean paste, and their shape and vibrant color make them an ideal food for such a romantic celebration. Sharing these sweet, peach-inspired delicacies with a loved one is a way of wishing for a long, happy, and prosperous life together.

4. Longan and Red Dates Soup (龙眼枸杞汤)

A traditional and popular dish enjoyed during the Qixi Festival is longan and red dates soup or 龙眼枸杞汤 (lóngyǎn gǒuqǐ tāng). This nourishing soup is made from longan fruit, red dates, and goji berries, which are simmered together in a sweetened liquid, creating a health-boosting and delicious drink.

In Chinese medicine, longan fruit and red dates are prized for their health benefits, particularly their ability to improve blood circulation, increase energy, and nourish the body. These ingredients are also thought to promote a sense of calm and emotional balance, making them particularly relevant to the Qixi Festival’s theme of love and emotional well-being.

The symbolism of the longan fruit—sometimes referred to as the “fruit of love”—ties into the festival’s themes of togetherness and romantic connection. Longan is believed to promote fertility and good fortune, while red dates are associated with longevity and happiness. Together, these ingredients create a dish that not only nourishes the body but also supports the emotional and spiritual needs of those celebrating love.

5. Love Noodles (爱情面)

In some regions of China, it is a tradition to prepare love noodles or 爱情面 (àiqíng miàn) during the Qixi Festival. These noodles are typically long, symbolizing longevity and eternal love, and are often served with a variety of toppings, including meat, vegetables, and herbs.

The custom of eating love noodles during Qixi is based on the belief that long noodles represent the long-lasting bond between couples. As the noodles are stretched and served long, they symbolize the enduring strength of love and the idea that love, much like noodles, can stretch across distances and time.

This dish is often enjoyed in the company of loved ones, reinforcing the importance of family and relationships. Whether served in a simple broth or with a rich sauce, love noodles serve as both a delicious meal and a meaningful symbol of love and connection.

6. Lotus Seed Soup (莲子汤)

Lotus seed soup, or 莲子汤 (liánzǐ tāng), is another dish that is commonly enjoyed during the Qixi Festival. This sweet, nutritious soup is made with lotus seeds, which are often simmered with sugar and other ingredients like red dates, ginseng, and rock sugar.

The lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty, plays a prominent role in Chinese culture. Lotus seeds, which are believed to enhance fertility and promote good health, are an essential ingredient in many Chinese dishes. The significance of lotus seeds during Qixi is tied to the idea of love blossoming, much like the lotus flower blooms to reveal its beauty.

Lotus seed soup is not only delicious but also full of meaning. It represents the purity of love and the desire for harmony, health, and happiness in a relationship. The delicate sweetness of the soup reflects the sweetness of love itself, making it a fitting food to enjoy during a celebration of love like the Qixi Festival.

7. Red Bean Paste (红豆沙)

Red bean paste, or 红豆沙 (hóngdòu shā), is a sweet and versatile filling made from boiled red beans and sugar. It is commonly used in a variety of traditional Chinese desserts, especially during the Qixi Festival. The red bean itself is believed to symbolize love and passion in Chinese culture, making it an ideal ingredient for celebrating romance.

Red bean paste is often used to fill cakes, pastries, buns, and even dumplings. During Qixi, it may be molded into heart shapes or served as part of a dessert platter that features other love-themed foods. The red color of the paste is symbolic of passion and vitality, reinforcing the romantic themes of the festival.

Eating red bean paste treats during the Qixi Festival is a way to wish for a love that is both passionate and enduring. The act of sharing these sweet treats with a partner or family member is a symbol of the sweetness and closeness of love.

8. Tangyuan (汤圆)

Tangyuan is a traditional dish that is commonly associated with the Lantern Festival, but it is also an important part of the Qixi Festival. These glutinous rice dumplings, filled with sweet fillings such as black sesame paste or red bean paste, are often served in a warm, sweet broth.

The round shape of tangyuan symbolizes unity, completeness, and the togetherness of families and couples. The act of making and sharing tangyuan during Qixi is a way of wishing for harmony, good fortune, and happiness in relationships. As the dumplings are soft and sticky, they also represent the strong and enduring nature of love.

Conclusion

The Qixi Festival, or Thất Tịch, is a time to celebrate love, relationships, and the enduring bonds that bring people together. The traditional foods enjoyed during this festival are not only delicious but also deeply symbolic, each dish carrying its own meaning and significance related to love, unity, and good fortune.

From 桂花糕 (sweet osmanthus rice cake) to tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings), each food represents a different aspect of love, from passion and longevity to sweetness and harmony. By preparing and sharing these foods, people express their affection for one another, strengthen their connections, and participate in a celebration that

has lasted for centuries. Whether shared between couples or with family, the foods of the Qixi Festival offer a beautiful way to mark this romantic occasion and reaffirm the importance of love in all its forms.