What is the Chinese ‘red thread’ that connects soulmates?

Forget all your modern dating apps and swiping right, ancient Chinese folklore had its own way of explaining how true love finds you. It’s called the “red thread of fate,” and honestly, it sounds like the OG version of destiny’s hotline.

What is a Chinese invisible red thread?

According to the invisible red theory, soulmates are tied together by a magical crimson cord that no one can see. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Shanghai, San Francisco, USA or India, this cosmic string keeps you connected. And here’s the fun part, the god of marriage himself, Yue Lao aka the ultimate celestial matchmaker ties this thread around your ankles. Imagine Tinder, but instead of algorithms it’s a smiling old man in hanfu. He has rocking long white hair and a beard, carrying a logbook in one hand, a staff in the other, and draped with silky red threads. Talk about style goals.

This thread isn't something to rave about aesthetics, but it makes sure that you and your soulmate never lose each other. And it goes beyond any plot twist life throws at you in your life. Missed connections? Ghosting? Yue Lao’s got you covered. Think of it as the unbreakable Wi-Fi signal of love. This belief is deeply tied to the Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day. In this festival lovers invoke the heavens to help them find their forever person. Move over chocolates and roses because Qixi has a more celestial vibe to romance.

And because every myth loves a glow up, the red thread theory has also found its way into modern pop culture. In the South Korean fantasy thriller S Line, it appears as an actual glowing red line (visible only to some) that connects people who’ve had romantic or sexual encounters. Basically, your past hookups would be lit up for everyone to see, just imagine the drama!

So, whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a cynic scrolling through memes about situationships, the red thread reminds us that maybe, just maybe, love is already written. Maybe just tied into the universe’s plan.

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