真实的牛郎织女长这样？怪不得一年只见一面
要说最早的仙凡恋，那必须是牛郎和织女。
最开始，他们只是夜空中两颗比较亮的星，没什么交集。
如今，他们能有荡气回肠的爱情故事，完全是古人嗑CP的结果。
最绝的是，一代雄主汉武帝下令开凿的昆明池两岸，竟然放置了一对儿石雕人像，
据说，就是最早的牛郎和织女雕像。
这对雕像现在仍然健在，长这个样子：
有网友一语道破天机：就是因为长这样，一年见一次面就够了。
不管怎样，今天牛郎和织女又要在鹊桥相会了。
怎么用英语讲牛郎和织女的故事？
我们翻译了TED Edu制作的牛郎织女动画视频，看看外国人是怎么讲述这个古老中国爱情故事的吧。
文字版
In the Celestial Court of the Jade Emperor, lived seven princesses. Each had their chosen place in court. But the youngest princess had a special skill. She could pluck clouds from the sky and spin them into the softest robes. Her work was so precise not even the most expert eye could find a seam. But her craft was the same, day after day, and she longed for new inspiration. Finally, the Queen Mother granted the weaver permission to visit Earth. The other princesses would accompany her to protect their sister from earthly dangers. Dressed in special robes that allowed them to fly between Heaven and Earth. The sisters soared down from the sky. The weaver was in awe of the rolling hills and rivers, and the sisters decided to swim in one of the glittering streams. As the weaver floated, she dreamt about staying forever.
在玉皇大帝的天庭中，住着七个美丽的仙女。每位仙女在天庭之中都有一席之地，但年纪最小的仙女拥有一项特殊的技能，她能将天界的云朵采集起来，将它们织成最柔软的长袍。她织出的衣服精美异常，即使是最厉害的行家也找不到缝合痕迹。然而，日复一日，她做着一成不变的工作，她渴望找到新的灵感。终于，王母娘娘准许织女下凡去完成心愿。其他仙女将会陪着她，保护她们的妹妹远离尘世的伤害。她们身着特制的羽衣，得以在天界和凡间通行。仙女们翩翩落入凡间，人间连绵不绝的群山和奔流不息的河流让织女惊叹，仙女们打算在一条波光粼粼的河流中戏水，织女在水流中漂浮着，畅想着永远呆在凡间。
Meanwhile, a lone cowherd approached the riverbank. He came here often to sweep his parents’ grave and speak with his only companion, a stoic bull who listened patiently to the cowherd's sorrows. But upon seeing the weaver's beauty, the cowherd forgot his routine. While he longed to introduce himself, his lonely lifestyle had made him timid. Thankfully, the bull saw his friend's plight and offered some advice. He told the cowherd of the swimmer's celestial origins and of her dream to stay on Earth, but also that she could only remain if she lost her ticket back to Heaven. As the cowherd approached, the princesses flew away in fear, leaving their dreaming sister behind. While keeping her magic robes hidden. The cowherd offered his own garment as a substitute, and after gaining her trust, the pair began exploring the countryside. She was struck by his caring nature, and he learned to see the world wonder through her eyes. Before long, the two had fallen deeply in love.
这时，孤单的牛郎走到了岸边，他经常来这里给父母扫墓，然后和唯一的伙伴聊聊天，那是头泰然自若的公牛，总是耐心听牛郎诉说悲伤。但是，一见到织女的美貌，牛郎就忘记了他本来要做什么。虽然他想要认识织女，但长久以来的孤单生活让他胆怯。幸好，老牛看出了他的窘态，并给牛郎提了几条建议。老牛告诉牛郎，织女在天界的真实身份和她留在地球上的梦想，还有她想留在人间的愿望，但只有她失去能返回天界的羽衣，才能一直留在人间当牛郎接近仙女们时，她们惊恐地飞走了，抛下了正在幻想中的妹妹。牛郎一边藏好织女的羽衣，一边将自己的衣服作为替代递给织女。取得织女的信任后，牛郎与织女开始在山水中游玩。织女被牛郎的体贴打动，牛郎也学会了通过织女的眼睛看到世界的美丽。不久之后，两人深深相爱了。
The weaver and the cowherd built a prosperous life. Their farm flourished, and the weaver taught her skills to local villages. As time marched on, the pair was blessed with two healthy children, but their bull was growing old. Before he died, the bull implored the family to keep his hide and use its magic at their time of need. While the husband grieved for his friend, the weaver's mind turned to her other family. Dusting off her magical robe, she decided to pay a visit to the heavens.
织女和牛郎过上了幸福美满的生活。他们的土地上硕果累累，织女把高超的织布手艺传授给当地的村民。时光如梭，牛郎织女有了两个健康的孩子，然而老牛他们却一天天老去，最后去世了。临死之前，老牛恳请牛郎将它的牛皮保存好，并在需要时候用上牛皮上的法术。就在牛郎为老牛伤心的时候 织女想起了自己的家乡。掸去羽衣上的灰尘，她决定返回天界看看。
But when the weaver swept into her old home, no one seemed surprised to see her. With the start, she realized that barely any time had passed for a year on Earth was merely a day in Heaven. When her family learned of her new life, they were enraged. How dare she waste her love on a human?
但是当织女回到天界后，竟然没有人为她的到来感到惊讶。一开始，织女意识到，由于凡间一年只是天界的一天，所以时间没过去很久。当天界的神仙得知织女已经嫁给了凡人后 无比愤怒，神仙怎么能爱上凡人？
The weaver tried to escape back to Earth, but the Queen Mother plucked a golden hairpin from her head and tore a great gulf opened, forming a river of stars between Heaven and Earth. Below. the cowherd had trembled, but he also remembered the bull’s final words. Hastily placing each child in a basket, he draped the bull's pelt over his back and hurtled upwards. Above the clouds Each lover attempted to wade through the surging stars, but no matter how hard they struggled, the gulf between them only grew wider.
织女想逃回人间，但是王母娘娘从头上拔下一枚金发簪，划开一条巨大的裂缝，在天地之间出现了一条星河。凡间，牛郎惶恐不已，但他想起了老牛的遗言。牛郎迅速把两个孩子放进两个篮筐里，把老牛的皮披在背上，飞向天界。云端之上，两位恋人都试图穿越汹涌的星河，但无论他们如何努力，两人之间的距离越来越远。
Day after day, the Queen Mother watched without pity.
Years passed, and the weaver and the cowherd had no one except the passing magpies to cheer them on.
日复一日，王母娘娘冷眼旁观，没有丝毫怜悯。
年复一年，除了路过的喜鹊，无人来鼓励宽慰织女和牛郎。
Finally, their love moved the Queen Mother's heart. While she couldn't forgive her granddaughter entirely, the Queen Mother would allow the weaver to meet her earthly family once a year, and so in late summer, the magpies form of bridge across the Milky Way, reuniting the weaver and the cowherd.
终于，牛郎织女坚定的爱融化了王母娘娘的心。虽然王母娘娘不能完全原谅自己的孙女，但她允许织女每年与人间的家人见一次面。所以，每年夏末，喜鹊会架起一座横跨银河的桥，让织女和牛郎团聚。
At this time of year, millions of people in East and Southeast Asian countries tell similar tales of these star crossed lovers celebrating their annual reunion.
每年的这个时候，东亚和东南亚的数百万人讲着类似的故事，庆祝这对两人一年一度的团聚。
牛郎织女的坚守给后人留下了一个浪漫的节日——七夕节，每年这一天，东亚及东南亚各国都会举行庆祝活动。
七夕节英文名为“Qixi Festival”，由于这天正好是七月初七，七夕节又被叫作“双七节”，所以英文名也可以译为“Double Seventh Festival”。
另外，这天也是古代少女们乞巧和祈祷婚姻美满的日子，因此也被称作“乞巧节”或“女儿节”，对应的英文名分别为"Begging for Skills Festival" 或 "Daughters' Festival"。
七夕有哪些有趣的风俗呢？
对月穿针
Needlework is considered representative of mastering the domestic skills, which was very important for young girls in traditional Chinese culture, thus the young women would show their dexterity by speedily threading a needle under the moonlight on Qixi Festival.
人们认为针线活代表着家务技能，于是，对中国古代的年轻女孩来说，掌握针线活非常重要，因此年轻女孩会在七夕节的月光下，对月穿针来展示她们心灵手巧。
乞求姻缘
In addition to their sewing, girls also prepared a table of offerings including tea, wine and fruits. Red dates, hazelnuts, peanuts and melon seeds were also offered to the stars to wish for a good husband, healthy children and a happy family.
除了针线活，女孩儿们还准备了一桌供品，包括茶、酒和水果。还会给牛郎织女星供奉红枣、榛子、花生和瓜子，祈祷有一个好丈夫、健康的孩子和幸福的家庭。
现在的年轻人已经离这些传统习俗很远了，如今的七夕节，年轻人都会聚集在以浪漫著称的旅游景点。
下面这4个适合七夕去的地方，你都去过吗？
01
West Lake – Full of romantic legends
西湖——充满浪漫传说
When talking about a place full of Chinese romantic legends, the first location pops up in your mind might be the West Lake. Situated in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province, the West Lake, surrounded by mountains on three sides, has witnessed many ancient love stories, notably the legend of a white snake.
要说充满中国浪漫传说的城市，你脑海中浮现的第一个地点可能是西湖。西湖位于中国东部浙江省杭州市，三面环山，见证了许多古老的爱情故事，尤其是白蛇传说。
Besides the West Lake stands a Yuelao shrine, where many single youths can make a wish about love all year round and pray for marriage. It is a must-see place, especially on Qixi.
西湖外矗立着一个月老神社，许多单身青年可以在这里许下一年中的爱情愿望，祈求姻缘。这是一个七夕必去的地方。
02
Shanghai Disneyland – Where fairy tales merge
上海迪士尼乐园——童话的世界
Shanghai Disneyland is not only a paradise for children but a never-before-seen world of wonder full of fairy tales, adventure, and thrills where visitors can ignite their magical dream.
上海迪士尼乐园不仅是孩子们的天堂，也是一个充满童话、冒险和刺激的奇妙世界，游客可以在这里点燃他们神奇的梦想。
In the park, when walking along with Mickey Mouse and Donald duck, you will soon recall the childhood memory and feel like walking into a fairy tale world.
在公园里，和米老鼠、唐老鸭一起散步时，马上就会回到童年，感觉就像走进了童话世界。
At 8:30 p.m., remember to watch the park's daily fireworks show titled "Ignited the Dream", which would definitely give you an unforgettable memory with the one you love together.
晚上8:30，记得观看公园 “点亮奇梦”的烟花表演，一定会让你和爱的人一起留下难忘的回忆。
?03
Lugu Lake – A place to meet love
泸沽湖——遇见爱情的地方
Lugu Lake, located at the border between southwest China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, is an alpine lake best known for its stunning idyllic scenery. When autumn comes, the sky in Yunnan's Lijiang City is colored with a breathtaking blue against the Lugu Lake's crystal-clear water.
泸沽湖位于中国西南部四川省和云南省的交界处，是一个高山湖泊，因其令人目眩的田园诗般的风景而闻名。秋天到来时，云南丽江的天空在泸沽湖清澈湖水的映衬下被染成惊人的碧蓝色。
04
Wuzhizhou Island – A paradise for lovers
蜈支洲岛-情人的天堂
Nestled in Haitang Bay, north of Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province, Wuzhizhou Island is a captivating destination for holidaymakers. Picturesque views brimming with dazzling beaches, perfect palm trees, and crystal blue waters weave a mesmerizing island.
蜈支洲岛坐落在中国南方海南省三亚市以北的海棠湾，是度假者青睐的目的地。美丽的风景中有美丽的海滩、挺拔的棕榈树和清澈湛蓝的海水，勾勒出迷人的岛屿风光。
The must-see tourist attraction on the island is the Lover Bridge. The bridge used to be a chain bridge and functioned as a lookout, but today it has become popular among shutterbugs. In 2013, the popular Chinese film "Personal Tailor" was filmed at the site, making it widely-known by tourists from home and abroad.
岛上必看的旅游景点是情人桥。这座桥曾经是一座链桥，用来瞭望海洋，但现在这座桥在摄影爱好者中流行起来。2013年，大火的中国电影《私人定制》在这里拍摄，使它广为国内外游客所知。
Couples and lovers are recommended to take a cruise trip to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the island.
推荐情侣们来一次邮轮之旅，领略惊险的海岛风光。
七夕诗词
01
秋夕
杜牧
银烛秋光冷画屏，
轻罗小扇扑流萤。
天阶夜色凉如水，
坐看牵牛织女星。
The Double Seventh Night
Du Mu
许渊冲 许明 译
Autumn has chilled the painted screen in silver moonlight;
A silken fan is used to catch flitting firefly.
The steps seem steeped in water when cold grows the night.
She lies to watch two stars in love meet in the sky.
02
鹊桥仙
秦观
纤云弄巧，飞星传恨，
银汉迢迢暗度。
金风玉露一相逢，
便胜却人间无数。
柔情似水，佳期如梦，
忍顾鹊桥归路！
两情若是久长时，
又岂在朝朝暮暮！
Immortals at the Magpie Bridge
Qin Guan
许渊冲 译
Clouds float like works of art,
Stars shoot with grief at heart.
Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Maid.
When Autumn’s Golden Wind embraces Dew of Jade,
All the love scenes on earth, however many, fade.
Their tender love flows like a stream;
Their happy date seems but a dream.
How can they bear a separate homeward way?
If love between both sides can last for aye,
Why need they stay together night and day?
03
迢迢牵牛星
迢迢牵牛星，
皎皎河汉女。
纤纤擢素手，
札札弄机杼。
终日不成章，
泣涕零如雨。
河汉清且浅，
相去复几许？
盈盈一水间，
脉脉不得语。
Parted Lovers
Far, far away, the Cowherd,
Fair, fair, the Weaving Maid;
Nimbly move her slender white fingers,
Click-clack goes her weaving-loom.
All day she weaves,
yet her web is still not done.
And her tears fall like rain.
Clear and shallow the Milky Way,
They are not far apart!
But the stream brims always between.
And, gazing at each other,
they cannot speak.
你今天打算怎么过？
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