Event Recap | The “Qixi Festival: Lanterns Illuminate Enduring Love” Themed Event Concluded Successfully

At the outset of the event, the guide used “The Peony Pavilion” as a starting point to vividly recount the timeless love story of Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei—where “the living may die, and the dead may live.” The nuanced portrayal of the plot and the rich emotional resonance not only immersed the audience in the romantic world conjured by Tang Xianzu but also naturally led into the cultural lineage of the Qixi Festival: from the ancient star‑worship traditions that gave rise to the “Qiqiao” customs, to the folk legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting on the Magpie Bridge, and finally to its evolution after the Han and Wei dynasties into a special day when women showcase their skills and entrust their hopes. By sharing these insights, the participants were able to appreciate the romance while gaining a deeper understanding of the festival’s underlying values—its vision of love, its reverence for labor, and its spirit of striving—thus setting a profound cultural tone for the entire event.

Following the cultural presentation, the event moved on to the much‑anticipated “Qixi Lantern DIY” session. Staff handed out thoughtfully prepared kits to each participant, complete with lamp bases, lampshades, and festive decorative stickers bearing auspicious phrases such as “A Match Made in Heaven” and “Hearts United.” The atmosphere instantly came alive: adults and children teamed up, carefully assembling their lamp bases; couples exchanged soft whispers as they collaboratively adorned their lampshades with stickers, weaving their affection into every detail; and solo visitors, too, immersed themselves in the process, savoring the joy of creation. As each one‑of‑a‑kind Qixi lantern was lit, its warm, golden glow filtered through the romantically stickered shade, illuminating the smiles on participants’ faces. The book café was filled with warmth and a sense of healing—these handmade lamps not only served as cherished mementos of the festival but also became unique vessels that blend tradition with creativity.

Happy Qixi Festival!

This event is not only a festive gathering but also a vibrant continuation of China’s outstanding traditional culture. As an important folk festival in China, the Qixi Festival—particularly its core custom of “begging for skill” and its romantic cultural essence—calls for more innovative and dynamic forms of revitalization in today’s world. This DIY table-lamp workshop, with its “storytelling plus hands-on crafting” approach, brings this ancient festival out of the pages of history and into the everyday lives of the public.

Happy Qixi Festival!

Going forward, the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou City will continue to leverage traditional festivals as a bridge, launching more events that combine cultural depth with interactive experiences, enabling more people to appreciate the charm of China’s outstanding traditional culture and ensuring that intangible cultural heritage thrives with enduring vitality in the new era.