 |
| Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival - ajpscs |
Tanabata - known as the Star Festival or the Festival of Star Crossed Lovers is one of my favourites. I won't regale you with the whole history (though here's a good article if you'd like to know more), so here's the gist of it:
Two lovers - Hikoboshi (the star Alter) and Orihime (the star Vega) are separated by the Milky Way. Once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh moon, they are allowed to meet. For one night only. Tanabata is a celebration of that day!
 |
| Sendai Tanabata Festival - Josep M. Berengueras |
These days, Tanabata is celebrated on July 7th or August 7th (depending on where in Japan you are).
 |
| Tanabata Streamers - Blast Tour |
The celebration of Tanabata, is one full of colour. The traditional fukinagashi streamers and over the top decorations are quite delightful!
 |
| Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival - ajpscs |
Some cities are well-known for their huge displays and festivals for Tanabata. Should you wish to experience Tanabata for yourself, the top three Tanabata festivals take place in Sendai, Hiratsuka, and Ichinomiya.
 |
| Tanabata Wishes - Japanese Canadian National Museum |
My favourite tradition though, has to be the act of writing a wish on a colourful strip of paper (tanzaku) and hanging it on a bamboo tree. Around Tanabata, you'll actually see these trees here there and everywhere - train stations, shopping centres, schools - often with paper and pencils provided so that you too can make a wish!
Want to see more pictures? Love these images from last year's Tanabata over on Hello Sandwich!
