Come celebrate love in the Chinese Garden at Montréal’s Jardin botanique during the traditional Chinese festival of Qixi (七夕). Held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, it is one of the most poetic celebrations in Chinese tradition. In this activity inspired by an age-old legend, make wishes for love and be swept up in the romantic atmosphere of this festival. Discover a story of devotion, longing and the enduring power of love. The red thread of destiny: a symbol of love According to a legend inspired by the stars Altair (the Cowherd) and Vega (the Weaver Girl), two lovers separated by the Milky Way can meet only once a year. On that day, thousands of magpies form a bridge in the sky—the famous Magpie Bridge—allowing them to reunite. Yue Lao, the Old Man Under the Moon (god of marriage and happy unions), is said to tie the red thread of destiny between the two lovers. Extend the experience with a cup of tea inspired by the jiao bei (交杯) ritual, where each sip becomes a promise of eternal love.