Red string of fate

The red string of fate (Traditional Chinese: 紅線; Simplified Chinese: 紅线; Yale: hung⁴sin³; Pinyin: "hóngxiàn"), also referred to as the red thread of destiny, red thread of fate (and by other variants) is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese legend. According to this myth, the gods tie an invisible red string around the ankles of men and women who are destined to be soul mates and will one day marry each other. According to Chinese legend, the deity in charge of "the red thread" is believed to be Yuelao (月老), the old lunar matchmaker god who is also in charge of marriages.

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle,
but it will never break."
- an ancient Chinese belief

The two people connected by the red thread are said to be destined lovers, regardless of time, place or circumstances. It is said that this magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept of soulmates or a twin flame.
The legend has since also become a popular myth in Japanese culture and other East Asian cultures.

See also

* Red string (Kabbalah) the talisman also known as red string, it is associated with Kabbalah, when worn on the left wrist, and with Buddhism when worn on the right wrist.
* Chinese mythology a collection of cultural history, folktales, and religions that have been passed down in oral or written form.
* "Red String", a webcomic by Gina Biggs, gains its title from the first chapter's reference to the red string of fate and the adventures of the two people entwined by it.

References

* [http://www.weddingsatwork.com/culture_customs_chinese.shtml Chinese Wedding Customs]
* [http://www.chinatownology.com/midautumn.htm Mid-Autumn Festival Legends]
* [http://web.mac.com/aredthread/aredthread/home.html A Red Thread Family]
* [http://www.the-red-thread.org/ The Red Thread]
* [http://www.redthreadconnection.com/ Red Thread Connection]
* [http://www.weddingsatwork.com/culture_customs_japanese.shtml Japanese Wedding Customs]