The custom of begging for cleverness on Valentine's Day in China began in the Han Dynasty. Ge Hong's Miscellaneous Notes on Xijing in the Eastern Jin Dynasty records that "women in the Han Dynasty often put seven-hole needles in the building on July 7, and everyone gave them", which is the earliest record of begging for ingenuity seen in ancient literature. Therefore, the seventh day of July is also called Begging Festival.

Tanabata is a popular traditional cultural festival in China and other countries in the Chinese character cultural circle. Many customs of women in China on Valentine's Day, such as needlework, praying for reed hands, praying for Seven Sisters, displaying flowers, fruits and needlework, have influenced countries with Chinese character cultural circles, such as Japan, Korean Peninsula and Viet Nam.

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Tanabata is a festival dominated by women, which mainly emphasizes "begging for ingenuity", and women hope that they can be unique. This is related to the legend of Niu Nv, whose protagonist is Weaver Girl. Weaver Girl, with wisdom, kindness and ingenuity, is an idol revered by ancient women in China. Tanabata has naturally become a carrier for women to express their feelings and good wishes.

Valentine's Day in China is different from Valentine's Day in the West. Western festivals usually have only one theme. The festival themes in China are diverse and profound, such as the Cold Food Festival in memory of Jietui, the ancestor worship of Tomb-Sweeping Day and the Dragon Boat Festival in memory of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, which are closely combined with the traditional culture of China. The custom of Valentine's Day in China is not only a respect for eternal love, but also an important festival for women to pray for ingenuity and wisdom.

References:

Baidu encyclopedia-tanabata