七夕是世界上最早的爱情节日 双语
农历七月初七是中国传统节日七夕。29日，在河北邢台市召开的中国传统节日文化研讨会上，专家一致认为，源于牛郎织女爱情故事的七夕已有2000多年历史，比起源于公元270年古罗马的西方情人节早得多，是世界上最早的爱情节日。七夕源于一个凄楚动人的神话故事，说的是天上的织女与人间的牛郎互相爱慕，结为夫妻，后来却被狠心的王母娘娘拆散，二人化成牛郎星、织女星，分隔在天河两岸，只能每年农历七月初七在天河上的鹊桥相会。
全国政协委员李汉秋说，在唐宋时期，七夕节非常热闹，无论在宫廷还是在民间，都有各种各样的庆祝形式。比如在宫廷会举行乞巧宴会，中间穿插很多有趣的小游戏。在民间，七月初七晚上恋人们相约，在庭院或花园里焚香拜银河、拜双星，默默祈祷自己的心愿。
“在过西方情人节的同时，不要忘了中国也有一个古老的浪漫爱情节日，而且这一文化遗产同样可以与全世界人们一起分享。”李汉秋这样提醒年轻人。
History
Scholars have shown the Double Seventh Festival originated from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD220). Historical documents from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD371-420) mention the festival, while records from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) depict the grand evening banquet of Emperor Taizong and his concubines. By the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasties, special articles for the "Qi Xi" were seen being sold on markets in the capital. The bustling markets demonstrated the significance of the festival.
Today some traditional customs are still observed in rural areas of China, but have been weakened or diluted in urban cities. However, the legend of the Cowhand and Weaver Maid has taken root in the hearts of the people. In recent years, in particular, urban youths have celebrated it as Valentine's Day in China. As a result, owners of flower shops, bars and stores are full of joy as they sell more commodities for love.