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Magpie Bridge

In China, there is a Magpie Bridge. You may feel surprised and wonder if the bridge is made of magpies. Actually, it is true.

So that isn’t a real bridge, but a bridge in a beautiful legend. There was once a fair girl named Zhinv who lived in heaven. She fell in love with a young cowherd named Niulang and gave birth to two children. After the gods of heaven found out, they became very upset and ordered Zhinv to return to Heaven. Niulang took the children and went to heaven to find Zhinv. Just as the two lovers were about o reunited, the gods of heaven created a wide river in the sky (thus forming the Milky Way), making it impossible for Zhinv and Niulang to meet each other again.

On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, countless magpies fly up to the Milky Way, creating a “magpie bridge”. Only they can meet on the magpie bridge. Therefore, the Magpie Festival (also known as “The Festival to Plead for Skills”) is celebrated every year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month and is regarded as “China’s Valentine’s Day”.

On this day, people recall the magpie bridge in heaven. And the story of Niulang and Zhinv became a famous play in many Chinese operas.

If you are interested in Chinese culture, you are welcome to check Keats School’s blog and learn some useful Chinese and Chinese culture.

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