That Tich Festival is no longer strange to us, it is said to be the day when Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu meet once a year. In addition to the meaning of love that touches heaven and earth, this holiday also has its own characteristics. Please join us to learn about the origin and meaning of That Tich Day.
What is That Tich Ceremony?
The 7th day of the 7th lunar month every year is considered that day in some Southeast Asian countries, typically Vietnam, China, Korea and Japan. That Tich Festival is associated with a tormented love story of Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu from ancient times.
That Tich Festival in Vietnam was previously called Mr. Ngau and Mrs. Ngau day, because on this day it often rains. People believe that this rain is the happy tears of Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu when they were reunited.
Origin of That Tich Ceremony
Niu Lang Zhi Nu is a famous story in China, there are many different versions. According to the version passed down by word of mouth in Vietnam, Nguu Lang was originally a boy herding buffalo in the sky. He also had the talent of playing the flute very skillfully. And Chuc Nu is the girl who weaves fabric in the sky. During a chance meeting, both of them fell in love with each other.
However, Nguu Lang was so infatuated with Chuc Nu because of her capable and gentle personality that he neglected to herd the buffalo; Chuc Nu also fell in love with the sound of her lover's flute and neglected her work. After their love story was discovered, the Jade Emperor was extremely angry and decided to prohibit this love affair by preventing the two from meeting each other. Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu were separated, one person at the other end of the river. Ngan Ha and the other person are at the end of the river, but no matter what, they still have the same heart.
The two's love touched the Jade Emperor. He allowed the two to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. The Jade Emperor also ordered the flock of crows and birds to gather together to form a bridge across the Milky Way River so that Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu could meet. The name O Thuoc bridge was also born from here because these two birds have Chinese names: umbrella bird and ruler bird.
For Vietnam, Mr. Ngau and Mrs. Ngau Day is not only a day to wish for love between couples, but also an opportunity to pray for peace and many children and grandchildren. The legend of praying for descendants on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month comes from the story of King Le Thanh Tong (1054 - 1072). History books record that: The King was 42 years old but still did not have a child to pass on the throne, so he prayed for his son at Ha pagoda (Hanoi) on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. After that, he really had good news. That is Crown Prince Can Duc.
Meaning of That Tich Ceremony
For those in love, That Tich Festival is an opportunity for them to celebrate their love together. This is the time for them to look back on the past journeys, the beautiful and difficult memories that they have overcome together. They pray that their love is always strong and lasting, like the touching love story between Nguu Lang and Zhi Nu. The image of two people who love each other but are separated, only meeting once a year but still keeping their hearts intact, shows loyalty and enduring love that overcomes all challenges. This inspires and reminds couples about the importance of loyalty and patience in love.
For single people, That Tich Festival is an opportunity for them to pray for love and hope to find their soulmate. Activities such as going to the temple to pray for love, eating red bean sweet soup or writing wishes on pieces of paper all have the meaning of conveying wishes for a beautiful and complete love.
Customs of different countries on That Tich Day
Each country has a different way of celebrating That Tich Festival based on the cultural characteristics of each place.
Customs of That Tich Day in Vietnam
On that day, Vietnamese young people not only go to the temple to pray for love, but also cannot miss the typical dish of red beans. Why do we eat red beans on That Tich day? According to ancient beliefs, eating red beans on this day has the meaning of praying for love. The red color of beans symbolizes luck, so when eating red beans, people believe that those who are single will find their soulmate, and those in love will be together forever. Therefore, red bean sweet soup becomes extremely popular on this occasion.
Customs of Qixi Day in China
In addition to praying to Zhi Nu for love and dexterity, Chinese people also have customs such as dropping a needle into a cup of water. Ancient people believed that needles showed intelligence, so on this day, girls would drop needles into a bowl of water with the hope that the needle would not sink. If the needle floats above the water, your wish to become more intelligent will be fulfilled.
Customs of That Tich Day in Japan
On That Tich Festival, Japanese people write wishes on rectangular pieces of five-colored paper (tanzaku) and hang them on bamboo branches, sometimes accompanied by decorative objects. These pieces of paper come in many colors such as green, pink, yellow, white and black. After the festival ends, the bamboo tree holding the wish papers will be taken down and floated in the river or burned.
Customs of That Tich Day in Korea
During the Chilseok festival in Korea, people will bathe in the rain and eat noodles, baked goods, and dishes made from wheat. At this time, the quality of wheat is the highest and extremely delicious. If you wait until Chilseok to eat it, the cold winds will ruin the taste of the wheat.
So you have learned the most useful information about That Tich Festival through this article. Mykingdom hopes that this knowledge will help you better understand the customs and culture of countries in the region. Wishing you a very happy and lucky That Tich Day, finding lots of joy and happiness with your loved ones.
