19/08/2026
Qixi, observed on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, is best known for the tale of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl. Traditionally, women also prayed to the Weaver Girl for wisdom and skilled hands, giving the festival its other name, Qiqiaojie, or the Festival of Praying for Nimbleness.
On this day, women would showcase and test their skills by creating elaborate crafts and other handmade objects, an important part of the celebrations.
This black-and-white photograph from our collection captures one such celebration, with an elaborate craft display at its centre.
七夕节,是在农历的七月初七,最广为人知的就是牛郎织女的传说。传统上,女性也会在这一天向织女祈求聪慧和灵巧的双手,因此又称“乞巧节”。
在这一天,女性会通过制作精巧的手工艺品和其他手工物件来展示和比拼手艺,这也是庆祝活动的重要一环。
我们馆藏中的这张黑白照片,记录的正是这样一场庆祝活动,中央精致的手工艺展示,也让我们得以一窥昔日新加坡的七夕习俗与巧艺。