Saturday was March the 3rd on the Chinese lunar calendar. It's a traditional festival for the Han, as well as many of the ethnic minorities in China, and various celebrations were held across the country.

Valentine's Day for the Dong Ethnic people

But for Dong people in Southwest China's Guizhou Province, this festival has a special meaning.

For the Dong ethnic people in Guizhou's Zhenyuan County, March the 3rd is also a type of "Valentine's Day" for young people.

On this day, the girls -- all dressed up in their ethnic costumes -- will pick scallions in their gardens, before gathering around a village pond and washing them.

The boys will request scallions from the girl they have a crush on, and if the feeling is mutual, she will provide them for him.

In addition, the Dong also marks the day with singing competition, bamboo dancing and even fishing.

In ancient China, March the 3rd was called the "Shangsi Festival". It's said that the day was the birthday of Emperor Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese people. Now, it's also a day to honor ancestors.

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