The Story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl

Long ago, in the heavenly palace, there lived a beautiful fairy named Zhinü, the daughter of the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens. Zhinü was skilled and hardworking, spending her days weaving beautiful garments with golden thread. However, because of the endless work, she lived a lonely life, rarely having time to enjoy leisure or make friends.

One day, Zhinü decided to descend to the mortal world to bathe in a river. While she was bathing, a young man named Niulang, a poor cowherd, happened to pass by. Niulang was immediately captivated by Zhinü’s beauty and grace. After a brief conversation, the two felt a deep connection and quickly fell in love. Their love blossomed from the very first encounter, and Zhinü promised to return to meet Niulang.

Zhinü eventually returned to the heavens and told the Jade Emperor about her love for Niulang. Although the Jade Emperor was fond of his daughter, he did not approve of the relationship, believing that a fairy should not live in the mortal world. He ordered Zhinü to return to the heavens and forbade her from seeing Niulang again.

Despite this, Zhinü’s love for Niulang remained strong, and she secretly descended back to the mortal world to continue her life with him. However, the Jade Emperor discovered this and swiftly separated the two lovers by creating a great river in the sky, keeping them apart.

Heartbroken but determined, Niulang refused to give up on Zhinü. He decided to search for her, even though he knew how difficult it would be. Before passing away, a magical cow that Niulang had raised for years told him that if he persisted in his journey to the heavens, the cow would help him reunite with Zhinü. Following the cow's advice, Niulang climbed onto its back and began his journey to the sky.

As Niulang neared the heavens, the Jade Emperor became furious, but he could not stop the powerful love between the two. However, as they were about to reunite, the Jade Emperor, moved by compassion, allowed them to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.

From that day on, every year, on this day, the magpies, moved by sympathy, would form a bridge across the river, allowing Niulang and Zhinü to meet. Yet, after one day together, they would be forced to part again and return to their separate lives.

The story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl has become a symbol of eternal love, sacrifice, and loyalty. Despite being separated by circumstances, their love endures through the years, with only one reunion each year. Their tale is a testament to perseverance, devotion, and the belief that true love can overcome all challenges, no matter how great the distance.