Every year on 7th July, Tanabata (Star Festival) is celebrated. It is celebrated in several Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Vietnam. I will, of course, concentrate on the festival in Japan.
The Origin of the Festival
The story originated in China and first arrived in Japan during the Nara period (710-94), but it wasn’t until the Edo period (1603-1868) that Tanabata was celebrated by the larger population, not just by the elite.
The Tale
The story centers’s on the stars Vega and Altair in the constellations Lyra and Aquila. According to the folklore, Orhime, a weaver and Hikoboshi a hard-working cow herder met and fell in love.
In time they got married and were deeply in love, but it is said they started to neglect their duties, Orhime didn’t weaver as much or the quality of before and Hikoboshi wasn’t as diligent in his job as before.
Orhime’s father the Emperor of the Heavens was angered by their neglect/laziness and banished them to either end of the milky way and forbidden to see each other.
From then on the couple could only meet on 7th July. So on 7th July people pray that it will be good weather, if it rains, it’s said the couple can’t meet due to the rising water. at this time of year its rainy season in Japan, so, unfortunately, the lovers regularly cant meet up together.
This is a story of lovers separated and reuniting for just one night, so a sad, but a romantic tale.
How Tanabata is Celebrated
The most popular Tanabata custom is to decorate a bamboo tree/branch. These bamboo trees are put in various public locations, such as train stations, shops, and other locations.
People write a wish on colored strips of paper called Tanzaku and hang them on the tree.
Why you might ask is bamboo used, well it is said to be used because bamboo grows straight and tall and with help from the wind, the wishes will reach the heavens.
People will wish for all sorts such as exam success, relationships, good career basically for their future hopes and dreams.
There are other decorations that are put on the tree, colorful streamers called Fukinagashi.
There are also Kinchaku bags for prosperity and Orizuru (folded cranes) for longevity.
The traditional food to eat during Tanabata is Somen. The long, thin noodles are said to resemble (with a little imagination or a lot) the Milky Way and the threads of Orihime’s weaving.
Tanabata decorations are a common sight all around Japan in early July, but if you want to experience a large event there are three popular Tanabata festivals. The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (www.sendaitanabata.com/about), The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri (http://www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com/) and The Anjo Tanabata Matsuri (www.anjo-tanabata.jp).
So if you are ever in Japan you can enjoy the bright colors and decorations of Tanabata, maybe make a wish of your own and think about the story behind the festival.
If you have found this Traditional Japanese Festival interesting, please look at the other Japanese Festivals we have covered.
Traditional Japanese New Year https://japanesetales.com/experience-a-fascinating-traditional-japanese-new-year/
The Obon Festival https://japanesetales.com/obon-festival-bon/
