Bao Er Jie, also known as the Sister’s Day, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. It is a day for sisters to show their gratitude to their brothers and to pray for their good fortune.
The festival is believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). According to legend, there was a young girl named Zhinu who was skilled in weaving. One day, she met a cowherd named Niu Lang and they fell in love. However, their love was forbidden by the Jade Emperor, who separated them and sent Zhinu to live in the stars.
On the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, all the magpies in the world flew together to form a bridge across the Milky Way, allowing Zhinu and Niu Lang to meet. This day became known as Bao Er Jie, and it is now a day for sisters to celebrate their bond.
How to Celebrate Bao Er Jie
There are many different ways to celebrate Bao Er Jie. Some of the most popular traditions include:
- Eating dumplings: Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food that is often eaten on Bao Er Jie. They are made from a dough that is filled with meat or vegetables, and they are usually boiled or steamed.
- Praying to the gods: Sisters often pray to the gods on Bao Er Jie to ask for good fortune for their brothers. They may also offer food and incense to the gods.
- Giving gifts: Sisters often give gifts to their brothers on Bao Er Jie. Common gifts include clothing, jewelry, and food.
- Spending time together: Bao Er Jie is a time for sisters to spend time together and catch up. They may go out to dinner, go shopping, or simply stay home and talk.
Meaning of Bao Er Jie
Bao Er Jie is a special day for sisters to celebrate their bond. It is a time to show their gratitude for each other’s love and support. The festival is also a reminder of the importance of family and the power of sisterhood.
Bao Er Jie Around the World
Bao Er Jie is celebrated in many different countries around the world, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In recent years, the festival has also become popular in other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
Bao Er Jie in Popular Culture
Bao Er Jie has been featured in many different works of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and songs. Some of the most popular examples include:
- The film “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (2005) is about four sisters who share a pair of jeans that magically fits them all. The film is set on Bao Er Jie, and it features several scenes of the sisters celebrating the festival.
- The TV show “The Mindy Project” (2012-2017) features a character named Mindy Lahiri who is a Chinese-American doctor. In one episode, Mindy celebrates Bao Er Jie with her sisters.
- The song “Sisters” (1995) by the Indigo Girls is a popular song about the bond between sisters. The song is often played on Bao Er Jie.
Conclusion
Bao Er Jie is a special day for sisters to celebrate their bond. It is a time to show their gratitude for each other’s love and support. The festival is also a reminder of the importance of family and the power of sisterhood.
