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A: The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. In Chinese, "qi" means seven, and "xi" refers to night. So its name "qixi" literally means the seventh night of the seventh month.

B: How did the festival get its name?

七夕节的名字是如何得来的呢？

A: In fact, the festival originated from a famous Chinese legend which tells about the love story between a young man named Niulang, or th  e cowherd, and a fair maiden named Zhinv, or Weaving Maid. According to the legend, the loving couple was separated by the Queen of Heaven with the Milky Way, and they were allowed to meet in heaven only once a year on the night of the Qixi Festival.

B: It's such a pity the ill-fated couple can meet only o nce a year.

A: You know, their touching love story has inspired men of letters to create many literary works. One of the most famous is a poem written by Qin Guan of the 11th century. The last few lines go like this:Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Weaving Maid. Their tender love flows like a stream, This happy date seems but a dream. They are so sad to leave the Magpie Bridge. But if love between them last for aye, Why need they stay together night and day?

这就是中国文学家秦观著名的《鹊桥仙》：柔情似水，佳期如梦，忍顾鹊桥归路。两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮！ 

B: The poem seems to be a good remedy to quench the lovesickness of couples separated from each other.

A: Yes, its last few lines are often quoted by lovers at the Qixi Festival. According to historical records, celebrations for the Qixi Festival started as early as 2,000 years ago. It was an occasion for couples to express affection and celebrate their love. Lovebirds separated from each other would try to get together and enjoy a romantic time.

B: That sounds similar to Valentine's Day. But the Chinese lovers' day is endowed with more meanings. In the old days, Qixi was celebrated not just by people in love. It was also a festival for girls.