China’s Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday 25 August (the seventh day of the seventh month in the Lunar Calendar). It celebrates the annual meeting of Niulang and Zhinu, the cowherd and weaver girl in Chinese mythology.
Although the Western Valentine’s Day on 14 February has also become popular in China, Chinese people attach more and more importance to Qixi, their own Valentine’s Day. Lovers and couples exchange gifts on that Chinese lovers day, and some youngsters like to join traditional activities in ancient Chinese costumes.
To celebrate, the Double Seventh Festival will be held between 11am and 1pm on Sunday 23 August at the Double O Nine shop at 32 Albert Road in Moonah.
It has been organised by Sharon Soo, who migrated from Malaysia to Hobart in 1998. She has since done a lot of social work in the community. She and her partner own the Double O Nine shop.
The Double Seventh Festival will include free demonstrations on henna art and incense making. There will also be workshops on how to make paper lanterns and Valentine’s Day cards.
A team of volunteers will be facilitating the demonstrations and workshops with Soo.
Soo has chosen to hold the festival to try to bring people together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and teach them a part of her culture that is not widely known.
“It will be a very inclusive event,” she said. “Everyone is welcome, including members of the LGBTI community.”
The Double O Nine shop is small, but Soo believes this will make the festival a positive event.
“There’s strong potential for friendships to blossom,” she said. “It is also a great opportunity to network.”
The festival will be launched by Sue Hickey MP.
Numbers are limited in accordance with COVID-19 safe health guidelines. People who attend the festival must adhere to current restrictions. No food will be sold or served at the festival. Bookings are required to attend the event. You can book by emailing [email protected].
