The Celestial Love Story

In the celestial court of the Jade Emperor, resided seven princesses, each holding a designated position. However, the youngest princess possessed a unique skill: the ability to pluck clouds from the sky and spin them into the softest robes. Her craftsmanship was so impeccable that no expert eye could discern a single seam. Yet, her daily routine grew monotonous, and she yearned for new inspiration.

Finally, the Queen Mother granted the weaver permission to visit Earth. Accompanied by her sisters, who vowed to protect her from earthly perils, they donned special robes that enabled them to traverse between Heaven and Earth. With graceful flight, the sisters descended from the sky. The weaver was awestruck by the rolling hills and shimmering rivers, and they decided to immerse themselves in one of the sparkling streams.

As the weaver floated dreamily, she contemplated the idea of staying on Earth forever. At that moment, a solitary cowherd approached the riverbank. He frequented the spot to tend to his parents' graves and confide in his sole companion—a stoic bull who patiently listened to the cowherd's sorrows.

Enthralled by the weaver's beauty, the cowherd forgot his usual routine. Shy and lonely, he longed to introduce himself but lacked the courage. Fortunately, the perceptive bull recognized his friend's predicament and offered advice. The bull revealed the celestial origins of the swimmer and her desire to remain on Earth, emphasizing that she could only stay if she lost her ticket back to Heaven.

As the cowherd approached, the princesses, gripped by fear, flew away, leaving their dreaming sister behind. Concealing her magical robes, the cowherd offered his own garment as a substitute. Building trust between them, the couple began to explore the countryside together. The weaver was captivated by his kind and caring nature, while the cowherd learned to perceive the world's wonders through her eyes. Inevitably, deep love blossomed between them.

The weaver and the cowherd established a prosperous life together. Their farm thrived, and the weaver shared her weaving skills with the local villagers. Over time, they were blessed with two healthy children. However, the bull, their loyal companion, grew old and weak. Before his passing, he urged the family to preserve his hide, imbued with magical powers, for a time of need. While the husband mourned the loss of his friend, the weaver's thoughts turned to her celestial family. Dusting off her magical robe, she resolved to visit the heavens.

However, upon her return to her former home, the lack of surprise from her family startled her. She realized that barely any time had passed since her departure, as a year on Earth merely equated to a day in Heaven. Enraged by her newfound life, her family could not fathom how she could squander her love on a mere human. Desperate to escape back to Earth, the weaver's attempts were thwarted when the Queen Mother, wielding a golden hairpin, tore through the sky, creating a vast river of stars—a great gulf separating Heaven and Earth.

Below, the cowherd trembled, but he clung to the bull's final words. Hastily placing their children in baskets and draping the bull's pelt over his back, he propelled himself upwards. Amidst the surging stars, the lovers struggled relentlessly, but the chasm between them only widened. Day after day, the Queen Mother observed without pity. Years passed, and the weaver and the cowherd found solace only in the encouragement of passing magpies.

Finally, their unwavering love stirred the Queen Mother's heart. While forgiveness remained elusive, she permitted the weaver to reunite with her earthly family once a year. And so, during late summer, millions of magpies would assemble, forming a bridge across the Milky Way, enabling the weaver and the cowherd to reunite. In East and Southeast Asian countries, countless individuals celebrate this annual reunion, sharing similar tales of these star-crossed lovers.

Henrik Leandro