Introduction
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, happens every year on July 7th in Japan. This fun festival is based on a love story about two stars. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what Tanabata is and how people in Japan enjoy this special day.
What is Tanabata?
Tanabata means “Seventh Evening” and celebrates the only day when two star lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, can meet. Their story of love and meeting just once a year brings people together to celebrate this day.
The Story Behind Tanabata
Orihime, the weaving princess, was very good at making beautiful clothes. Her father introduced her to Hikoboshi, a cow herder, and they fell deeply in love. But when they got married, they forgot their responsibilities, so her father placed them on opposite sides of the Milky Way. He allowed them to meet just once a year, which is now celebrated as Tanabata.
How People Celebrate
On Tanabata, people write their wishes on small paper strips called ‘tanzaku’ and hang them on bamboo branches. This tradition originated from a Chinese celebration where people wished for improved skills in weaving and sewing, inspired by the story of Orihime, the weaving princess. Now, it includes wishes for anything from doing well in school to having good health. People believe that hanging tanzaku on bamboo helps their wishes reach the stars.”
Why Bamboo is Important
Bamboo is important for Tanabata because it has always been used to keep things clean and was thought to help preserve food during the summer. It also grows straight towards the sky, which people thought was sacred. During Tanabata, bamboo branches are used to hang the tanzaku. This custom is based on the idea that bamboo, reaching up to the sky, can help send wishes to the stars.
In the past, people also placed offerings on bamboo leaves and let them float down rivers or used them for purification. By the time of the Edo period (1603-1868), the practice of hanging tanzaku on bamboo became popular, and now it is a key part of the Tanabata decorations.
Photo by Madoka Yanagisawa on greenz.jp.
Conclusion
Tanabata is a wonderful celebration that mixes tradition, romance, and community spirit. By taking part in Tanabata, people continue an old tradition of making wishes, hoping to improve themselves and achieve their deepest desires. The festival is not just about the pretty decorations and the happy vibe but also about connecting with others and sharing wishes under the stars.
If you’re inspired by the beautiful Tanabata decorations, why not bring the festival spirit into your own home? These Tanabata wall stickers are a great way to recreate the festive atmosphere and make your space feel extra special during the celebration!
