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What is the Seventh Eve?
The Seventh Eve falls on the 7th day of the 7th Lunar month, intertwined with the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. It is considered the Eastern celebration of love (the East Asian Valentine's Day).
The Seventh Eve in 2023 fell on a Tuesday, on the 22nd of August in the Gregorian calendar.
Origin of the Seventh Eve
The origin of the Seventh Eve traces back to the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
Legend has it that the Cowherd was a poor but diligent and virtuous young man who won the affection of the Weaver Girl, the youngest daughter of the Queen Mother of the West, known for weaving colorful clouds across the sky.
The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl became husband and wife. They enjoyed blissful years together on earth and had two children, a boy and a girl.
One day, Chức Nữ was compelled to return to the heavenly palace by the order of the Jade Emperor, leaving Ngưu Lang and their two children on earth. Missing his wife dearly, Ngưu Lang brought their two children to follow her. However, when they reached the Milky Way, the boundary between the mortal and celestial realms, they couldn't proceed. Nevertheless, Ngưu Lang refused to give up and decided to wait there for Chức Nữ to return. Thus, a new star appeared beside the Milky Way, known as the Cowherd Star.
Touched by the sincere love between the two, the Queen Mother allowed Ngưu Lang and Chức Nữ to meet once a year on the Seventh Eve (the 7th day of the 7th lunar month) on the Magpie Bridge formed by flocks of magpies.
Seventh Eve in Vietnam
The Seventh Eve, the 7th day of the 7th lunar month in Vietnam, is also known as the “Mr. Ox, Mrs. Ox” day because it often rains heavily throughout the day. It is believed to be the tears of Ngưu Lang and Chức Nữ when they reunite.
In Vietnamese culture, the tradition of the Seventh Eve likely began during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054 – 1072). According to historical records, when the king was 42 years old and still without an heir, he visited a temple to pray on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, leading to the birth of Prince Can Duc. Thus, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month every year, a festival was held at Ha Pagoda, becoming a celebration for seeking love, family happiness, and prosperity.
It is believed that on the Seventh Eve, if two lovers gaze at the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl star together, they will stay together forever.
The Tradition of Eating Red Bean Sweet Soup to Escape Singlehood
In many cultures, the color red symbolizes goodness, joy, and happiness; therefore, red beans are considered to bring good luck.
In recent years, Vietnamese youth have been passing on the belief that eating red bean sweet soup on the Seventh Eve will help in seeking relationships. It is said that couples will become stronger, while singles will soon find their significant others.
Although not everyone believes in the idea of 'red beans helping to escape singlehood,' many still enthusiastically promote the tradition of eating red bean sweet soup on the Seventh Eve as a fun trend, adding more colors to life.
Furthermore, red bean sweet soup is packed with nutrients beneficial for the body. Many brands have caught onto this trend among young people and have introduced new products and offers related to red beans on the occasion of the Seventh Eve every year. Discover delicious red bean dishes at Vincom:
KOI brings exciting news to Bubble Tea enthusiasts: free red bean toppings! Starting from August 15, 2023, at all KOI Thé outlets nationwide!
Going solo: try the combo of green tea red bean mooncakes & Smiling Walnut Phindi
Solo mood: enjoy a cup of green tea red bean drink
Solo order: start your day with a bright red bean yogurt cup, sweetening the path of love.
Together for two: indulge in a combo of yogurt and bubble tea to intensify the romance.
If you're planning to dine on red bean dishes on the Seventh Eve, make sure to visit Vincom for unique bubble tea and snacks.
Posted by: Thu Dong Do
Keywords: Escaping Singlehood Together
