What is Japan’s Tanabata “Star Festival”?

In this article, let’s join GoEMON to learn all about what kind of day is Tanabata, as well as what to do to celebrate it! 

1. The origin of Tanabata

Tanabata originated from the romantic love story between Orihime - the princess of the Heavens with a talent for weaving and Hikoboshi - a hardworking young cowherd. Orihime lived by the Miky Way, whereas Hikoboshi lived on the other side of Amanogawa. The two fell in love and became husband and wife. However, the couple enjoyed their married life too much to the point where they neglected their duties: Orihime stopped weaving and Hikoboshi neglected his cows, which led to them falling sick one after another. 

This enraged Orihime’s father - the Emperor, and he decided to forbid them from meeting one another by separating them on either side of the Amanogawa. The couple can only meet by the riverside once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month - 7 July. This explains the story of how Tanabata is held annually on this date in Japan. 

The two, though able to meet annually every 7 July, are still separated by the Amanogawa River. Moved by the couple’s sincere love, every year, the magpies will fly down, creating a bridge over the river with their wings to help the couple truly unite with one another. Rain on this day is referred to as “The tears of Orihime and Hikoboshi,” as the magpies cannot come due to the rising waters of the river. 

2. Why is it called the “Star Festival?”

Tanabata is also known by many as the Star Festival. The love story is also associated with an astronomical event, with two of the brightest stars named Vega and Altair representing Orihime and Hikoboshi respectively. The Amanogawa river separating the couple is the Milky Way and the bridge created by the magpies is another star called Deneb. The three stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb forms an asterism called the Summer Triangle. 

3. What happens during Tanabata  

During Tanabata, people often write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and then tie them to bamboo branches. The wishes can be about anything and made by anyone regardless of age, gender, and nationality. During this period, you can also spot these colorful bamboo trees on the streets, supermarkets, and train stations throughout Japan. 

Large-scale festivals are held in all regions throughout the country, mainly along busy shopping centers and shopping streets. These festivals include different activities, performances, parades, and many stalls offering traditional Japanese foods, products, as well as games for participants to explore and enjoy. Most of them last for a few days, but there are exceptions that can last as long as a week. 

4. Common Tanabata decorations

Tanabata decorations are hung on bamboo branches along with colorful strips of paper where wishes are written. It is believed that the higher the decorations and wish papers, the higher the probability of the wishes becoming true as they can reach the stars easier.

There are many different types of Tanabata decorations, each with a different meaning. In this article, GoEMON will introduce to you 6 types of traditional decorations for Tanabata:

1. “Tanzaku” Paper Strips: These come in several colors, red, black/purple, blue/green, white, and yellow; each with a different meaning. People would write their wishes on the Tanzaku paper strips before hanging them on the bamboo branches 
2. “Fukinagashi” Blowing Streamers: Used to wish for improvement in weaving and sewing. This decoration represents the weavings made by Orihime. 
3. “Orizuru” Paper Cranes: Used to wish for family safety and long life.
4. “Kinchaku” Purses: For good luck and success in businesses and savings. 
5. “Amikazari” Ami Ornaments: Represents fishing nets and are used to wish for a big catch of fish. 
6. “Kuzukago” Waste Basket: Symbol of cleanliness.

Tanabata is not only an occasion for Japanese people to express their love and wishes but also the perfect time for travelers to explore and get a better insight into the country’s interesting culture and traditions. 

What are your thoughts on Tanabata? Share with us your opinions in the comment section down below! 

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