July 7th is a Japanese star festival known
as Tanabata (lit:
the seven evening), which celebrates the reunion of the lovers of star, Vega and Altair.
Legend says that they are allowed to see each other only once a year on
July 7th, separated by Milky Way except that day. Vega was believed to be good
at weaving, and people would think that “I want to be as good at weaving as
Vega is.” or “I wish I were as good as her.” So people used to write their
wishes on a piece of paper on the day. Gradually, people came to hang the paper
on a bamboo branches in hopes that their wishes could reach to Vega in the sky,
which is how we celebrate the day now. What have “developed” are...the
paper is more colorful, and our wishes are more demanding, ha, ha.
Wagashi
(Japanese traditional sweets) representing “star” is also available during this
season to celebrate the day. Wish on a star while looking up to the sky and
enjoying Tanabata sweets and tea.
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| tanzaku (strips of paper with prayers written on them) |
