The Legend of the Magpie Bridge
Long, long ago in ancient China, nestled along the banks of the celestial Silver River, known to us as the Milky Way, resided a humble cowherd named Niu Lang with his loyal companion, an aging ox. Meanwhile, in the heart of the heavenly realm, the youngest of seven celestial sisters, Zhi Nu, a weaving maiden, diligently created the fabric of existence. Although they lived worlds apart, destiny had a strange plan to unite their lives.
One day, the celestial sisters decided to descend upon earth for a brief respite. They bathed in a sparkling stream, their laughter echoing like mellifluous music. Unknown to them, Niu Lang was nearby, mesmerized by the ethereal sight. His gaze fell upon the youngest sister, Zhi Nu, and he fell head over heels in love with her.
Driven by the potent desire to win her love, Niu Lang approached Zhi Nu. Surprised yet intrigued by his genuine demeanor, she found herself drawn towards him. One thing led to another, and the pair were quickly wed, marking the advent of a rare earthly-heavenly union. They lived in happiness, complementing each other as Niu Lang farmed their fields while Zhi Nu wove shimmering fabrics at home.
Their serenity was short-lived. The news of Zhi Nu's earthbound existence reached the ears of the celestial Jade Emperor. Outraged by Zhi Nu’s disregard for celestial norms, he dispatched celestial soldiers to bring her back. Torn from her husband and children's arms, Zhi Nu was ferreted back to the heavens.
Left alone, Niu Lang was heartbroken and regretful. Until one day, his ever-faithful ox revealed an astonishing secret - it was once a celestial being, banished to earth as an ox as a punishment. With its dying breaths, it advised Niu Lang to use its hide to create magical shoes that would help him ascend to the heavens.
Following the ox's instructions, Niu Lang ascended to the heavens with his children. As they were about to reach Zhi Nu, the Jade Emperor formed a roaring river from the sweep of his sleeve, separating them once again.
Their cries of yearning resonated with even the most hardened hearts in the celestial realm. An enchanting spectacle occurred as a flock of magpies formed a bridge over this river, allowing Niu Lang and Zhi Nu to cross and be together. Touched by their love, the Jade Emperor relented, allowing them to meet once every year on the day the magpie bridge was formed.
This beautiful tale birthed the Qixi Festival, or the Chinese Valentine’s Day. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the lengths one would go to, defying the constraints of the world.
Even now, if you turn your gaze towards the night skies on a clear Qixi Day, you might see two stars on either side of the Milky Way, Vega and Altair. They are said to be Zhi Nu and Niu Lang, their shared love immortalized for all eternity across the canvas of the cosmos. A tale, not just of star-crossed lovers, but star-bound lovers.