The traditional custom of the ancients to celebrate Tanabata.

The traditional customs of Valentine's Day in ancient China include: Impatiens dyeing nails, taking water for bathing, inviting engagement, embroidering and weaving, cleaning stoves, making cakes and offering sacrifices.

1, Impatiens dyed nails

In Wujin County, Changzhou in Qing Dynasty, there was a custom of dyeing nails with Impatiens on Tanabata, with the purpose of begging the Weaver Girl for help. Impatiens bloom in summer, and the petals are rich in color, which is just used to dye nails, meaning to pray for the weaver girl to give her skillful hands.

2. Water and bathing

Tanabata is related to water, and some areas are used to taking water and storing water on this day. According to legend, Qixi is the day when the seven fairies came down to earth. There is aura in the water, and the water stored in Tanabata has the effect of treating diseases. At the same time, Tanabata has also become a day for people to bathe.

3, men and women ask post and engagement

China Valentine's Day is called Valentine's Day in China, and there is an ancient custom between men and women to ask for invitation and engagement. Asking for a post is to ask each other's date of birth to determine whether they are suitable for marriage. Tanabata is also a good day for engagement, and engagement is a very important ceremony.

4. embroidery and textile

Valentine's Day in China is related to textiles and embroidery. The weaver girl in folklore has become the object of worship in women's minds. On Tanabata, there are not only patterns, but also customs such as offering sacrifices to looms.

Step 5 clean the cooker

Valentine's Day in China is also called Daughter's Day. In ancient times, women took on textile and cooking work at home. On Tanabata, in addition to cooking, women should also clean the stove, especially utensils that are not easy to clean, such as oil pans.

6. Making cakes and sacrifices

On Tanabata, the weaver girl in the sky will be sacrificed, and women will prepare and make all kinds of cakes and sacrifices in advance and put them on the altar. These foods and handicrafts are the embodiment of women's skillful hands.