Tanabata
6/24/2016
The romance of two star-crossed lovers destined to meet only once a year is the fairy dust of little girls’ dreams. This is the first page of the ancient legend of Tanabata or The Star Festival, which takes place in Japan on July 7th. What’s the story behind this romance and how do locals celebrate this day? Read more to find out!
The legend actually originated in China and was brought to Japan around the 8th century. The story begins in the stars. The god of the sky has a beautiful daughter named Princess Orihime who wove beautiful clothing for the gods by the heavenly stream (which is seen as a representation of the Milky Way). Princess Orihime worked so tirelessly on her creations, that she fell into despair at the idea she may never be able to meet the love of her life, if she continued to work so hard.
Upon seeing his daughter so distraught, the god of the sky decided to introduce her to a man that could become her husband. After searching far and wide, the god finally introduced Princess Orihime to Hikoboshi, a cow herder who lived on the other side of the heavenly stream. Their love was instantaneous and they were soon married. Both Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi had a hard working nature, so it seemed to be a perfect match.
However, after getting married Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi began to enjoy their time together so much that they completely forgot their work. Cows began to wander all over the heavens and became sick and the gods’ clothes became worn because no new weaving was being done. This angered the god of the sky.
He told the newly weds that they were to be sent to opposite sides of the sky. One was to live in the east and one in the west. Princess Orihime pleaded with her father to reconsider this callous punishment.
Out of a father’s love for his daughter, the god of the sky allowed for a single exception. The couple was allowed to meet on the seventh day of the seventh month of the year, if Orihime had completed all of her weaving. Princess Orihime returned to a dedicated life of work and spent the year looking forward to the day when she could finally meet Hikoboshi again. Hikoboshi did the same, herding and taking care of the cows so that he may also be able to meet his love on that single night.
On July 7th the two are said to be able to cross the Milky Way. However, on the first night of their reunion they found the heavenly river impossible to cross. Seeing Orihime’s sadness, a flock of magpies created a bridge over the Milky Way so that the two were able to meet.
July 7th is in the middle of Japan’s rainy season, and it’s said that if it rains, the magpies will not come to create the bridge, so many locals wish for clear skies on this night.
Super romantic right? As this festival takes place in the stars it is only natural that it would coincide with wish making! Locals during Tanabata festivals write their wishes on small slips of paper and tie them to bamboo along with decorations. Many festivals also have traditional food, games and performances.
第29回 下町七夕まつり [夏祭り2016] [七夕2016]【Lets】レッツエンジョイ東京 Tanabata Festival
Let’s hope the rainy days go away at least for one night this summer, so that Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi will be able to meet! What would you wish for? Let us know in the comments!
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