The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl
The story of “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl,” also known as “The Legend of the Milky Way,” is a beautiful Chinese folk tale that dates back thousands of years.
In ancient China, there was a young cowherd named Niu Lang who lived a simple and humble life. He spent his days tending to his cattle and found solace in the serene beauty of the countryside. One day, while Niu Lang was herding his cows near a heavenly river, he witnessed an extraordinary sight. A group of celestial maidens, known as the Seven Fairy Sisters, descended from the heavens to bathe in the river. Among them was the youngest and most graceful maiden named Zhi Nu, also known as the Weaver Girl.
Niu Lang was captivated by Zhi Nu’s beauty and gentle nature. He couldn’t help but fall deeply in love with her. Determined to make her his wife, Niu Lang hatched a plan. As the fairies bathed, he quietly approached the riverbank and stole Zhi Nu’s clothes, leaving her unable to return to the heavens.
When Zhi Nu finished bathing and discovered her clothes were missing, she became distressed. Niu Lang then revealed himself, expressing his love for her and his desire to marry her. Touched by his sincerity and enchanted by his devotion, Zhi Nu agreed to become his wife, and they were married in a simple ceremony.
For several years, Niu Lang and Zhi Nu lived a blissful life together. Niu Lang continued to tend to his cattle, while Zhi Nu used her celestial weaving skills to create exquisite garments. They cherished each other’s company and nurtured a deep love that grew with each passing day. They were blessed with two children, a boy and a girl, who brought immense joy to their lives.
Read about China’s other Great Folktales, Legend of the White Snake, The Butterfly Lovers and Lady Meng Jiang!
However, their happiness drew the attention of the Queen Mother of Heaven, ruler of the celestial realm. The Queen Mother was angered by Zhi Nu’s decision to marry a mortal and live on Earth. She summoned Zhi Nu back to the heavens, tearing her away from her beloved husband and children.
Niu Lang was devastated by the sudden separation from his wife. He pleaded with the heavens to allow him to be reunited with Zhi Nu, but his cries fell on deaf ears. Determined to find his way back to his beloved, Niu Lang received a visit from an old, wise ox. The ox revealed itself to be a celestial being and offered Niu Lang a magical solution. It told him to kill it and use its hide to fashion a pair of flying sandals.
Niu Lang followed the ox’s instructions, crafting the flying sandals from its hide. With the sandals on his feet and his children in woven baskets on his back, Niu Lang embarked on a daring journey to the heavens to rescue his wife.
As he soared through the skies, Niu Lang encountered various celestial obstacles, including the Queen Mother’s guards. However, his determination and love for Zhi Nu fueled his courage, and he pressed on. Finally, he arrived at the heavenly realm and was reunited with his wife.
Niu Lang and Zhi Nu embraced, their tears of joy flowing freely. Their love moved the heavens, and the Queen Mother softened her heart. She granted them permission to reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
However, their reunion came with a condition. Niu Lang and Zhi Nu could only meet across a vast river of stars, known as the Milky Way. The river was formed by the tears of the Seven Fairy Sisters, who empathized with their longing for each other.
Each year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, magpies from all over the world would gather, forming a bridge with their wings across the Milky Way. Niu Lang and Zhi Nu would cross the bridge, and for one precious day, they would be able to hold each other, sharing their love and cherishing their reunion.
This day became known as Qi Xi, or the Qixi Festival, also called Chinese Valentine’s Day. It is a time when couples express their love and exchange gifts, and young girls pray to Zhi Nu, the Weaver Girl, for skills in needlework and finding true love.
“The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl” is not only a story of love and devotion but also a tale that celebrates the power of true love to overcome even the greatest obstacles. It reminds us that love knows no boundaries and can transcend the mortal and celestial realms. The legend has been passed down through generations, capturing the hearts of people and inspiring them to believe in the enduring power of love.