In Chinese lunar calendar,July 7th is Chinese Valentine's Day. It has a special meaning for girls, they burn joss sticks to pray their gods for a light hand at housework and a perfect match in marriage.
Long time ago, a poor boy lived with his elder brother and sister-in-law. But he was driven out of home in his early twenties. Having nothing but an old cattle, he moved into a cottage and was called cowboy ( Niulang) by people. One day, the cattle suddenly said to him, 'you are a good boy. If you want to get married, go to the brook and your wish will be realizes.'
Cowboy did so, after a short while, he saw seven pretty fairies coming and taking a bath in the water. Fascinated by the youngest and also the most pretty one, he took away her clothes in secret. After they bath, the youngest was left alone. At that time, Cowboy appeared in front of her and ask her to marry him. He looks handsome that she nodded.
They lived a poor but happy life and two years later, they had a son and a daughter. But the Jade Emperor (the dominant god in heaven in Chinese folktales) heard it and annoyed,for the fairy turned out to be weaving girl to weave clouds and rainbows. Without her, the sky was dull, so the quees Wangmu forces her back. Cowboy took his children in two bamboo baskets and ran after her with the old cattle's help. Just then the Queen drew a line between them with her hairpin and it became the Milky Way. Pied magpies(a kind of bird) were moved by their cries and lots of them gathered and formed a bridge for the couple. And the Queen finally agreed their meeting on every July 7th. So ,they two only can meet each other at tat day every year....
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