Key Character Analysis
Niu Lang (Cowherd)：Originated from the “Altair” star in Shi Jing (Book of Songs), he was given mortal status in Nineteen Ancient Poems of the Han Dynasty. As a symbol of agricultural civilization, his image embodies ancient Chinese admiration for diligence.
Zhi Nu (Weaving Maid)：Personification of the “Vega” star recorded in Records of the Grand Historian, her identity as granddaughter of the Jade Emperor was confirmed in Huainanzi. Representing textile craftsmanship, she symbolizes the wisdom and skills of ancient Chinese women.
Mythological Origins
Earliest traces found in Western Zhou’s Shi Jing·Xiao Ya·Da Dong astronomical records. The Warring States Chu bamboo slips Zi Gao first linked “Weaving Maid” with “Cowherd”. Nineteen Ancient Poems established the love theme, while Records of Jingchu Festival Customs completed the mythological system in the Southern Dynasties.
Classic Plot Reconstruction
- Divine Descent (Records of Jingchu Festival Customs): Zhi Nu bathed on earth, her celestial garments hidden by Niu Lang
- Marital Bliss (Lost Works of Fengsu Tongyi): Three-year marriage produced two children
- Celestial Separation (Huainanzi): Jade Emperor created the Milky Way barrier, magpies form annual bridge
- Cultural Evolution (Dongjing Menghualu): Song Dynasty established Qixi festival traditions
Character Relationship Map
Jade Emperor ── Granddaughter Zhi Nu
│
└─ Niece Seven Fairies (linked to Dong Yong legend)
├─ Queen Mother of the West (enforcer of separation)
└─ Mortal CowherdLiterary Classics
- Earliest text: Shi Jing·Xiao Ya·Da Dong
- Definitive version: Nineteen Ancient Poems·Altair and Vega
- Opera classic: Tian He Pei (Peking Opera, Ming Dynasty)
- Modern interpretation: Guo Moruo’s Streets in Heaven
Cultural Heritage
Qixi Festival: 7th day of 7th lunar month
- Traditional practices: Needle threading (from Xijing Zaji), “growing life” fertility rituals (Suishi Guangji), Zhi Nu worship (Qing Jialu)
- Modern recognition: Listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006
- Global influence: Japanese “Tanabata Festival”, Korean “Chilseok” customs
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