Today I had the Tanabata Festival, a traditional Japanese event held on July 7.
Tanabata Matsuri is such an event.### Origins and Legend
The origin of Tanabata is based on the Chinese legend of "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl." This romantic tale tells of Orihime (the Weaver Girl) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd), who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on July 7th. This story was introduced to Japan and became established as a court event during the Nara period (8th century).
Customs and Events
One of the distinctive customs of Tanabata is decorating bamboo branches with colorful strips of paper called tanzaku, along with other ornaments. Wishes and poems are written on these tanzaku and hung on the bamboo. This custom spread among the common people during the Edo period and continues to this day. Besides tanzaku, decorations made from origami, such as stars and figures of Orihime and Hikoboshi, are also commonly seen.
Cultural Significance
Tanabata is not just a festival; it is an important event in Japanese culture where families and friends share their wishes. Writing wishes on tanzaku provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s dreams and hopes and to express them concretely. Additionally, creating Tanabata decorations helps to develop dexterity and creativity.
Viewers sent us their wishes in comments, which we wrote on tanzaku strips and decorated on bamboo branches.
May your wishes come true!