七夕节是我国传统佳节中最具浪漫色彩的节日，被视作中国的“情人节”。“柔情似水，佳期如梦，忍顾鹊桥归路。两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。”一首被世代传唱的《鹊桥仙》道出了牛郎与织女浪漫的爱情故事，也展现了中华儿女对美好爱情的向往，对忠贞不渝感情的追求。
The Double Seventh Festival, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, is a traditional festival full of romance. And there is a beautiful love story behind it.
Long, long ago, there was a kind-hearted man named Niu Lang. His parents died when he was a child. Later he was driven out of his home by his sister-in-law. One day, a fairy (仙女) from heaven Zhi Nu fell in love with him and came down secretly to earth and married him. Unfortunately, the God of Heaven soon found out and ordered the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens to bring Zhi Nu back.
With the help of celestial cattle (神牛), Niu Lang flew to heaven with his son and daughter. When he was about to catch up with his wife, the Queen Mother took off one of her gold hairpins (发簪) and with a stroke (划), a big river appeared in front of Niu Lang. Niu Lang and Zhi Nu were separated on the two banks forever and could only feel their tears.
Their love touched magpies (喜鹊), so tens of thousands of magpies came to build a bridge for Niu Lang and Zhi Nu to meet each other. The Queen Mother was finally moved and allowed them to meet each year on the 7th of the 7th lunar month. So their meeting date has been called “Qi Xi” (Double Seventh).
Today some traditional customs are still seen in rural areas of China, but have been weakened in urban cities. However, the legend of Niu Lang and Zhi Nu has been in the hearts of the people. In recent years, in particular, urban youths have celebrated it as Valentine’s Day in China. As a result, owners of flower shops, bars and stores are full of joy as they sell more products in the name of love.
编辑：李 云 排版：李晨晖
一校：孙 星 二校：樊翠芳 三校：史俊艳
初审：尚继明 复审：李晨晖 终审：张 俊
