tanabata

As I remember it from experiencing this festival in Sendai and from the couple of years I lived in Korea, the story goes a little something like this:

The king of the sky had a daughter that wove beautiful fabrics. As the princess grew, she became more and more beautiful. The king noticed that she was also lonely and that her designs became were becoming less and less colorful. He took her across the river (the Milky Way) to meet a young cow herder. They fell in love and were married immediately. For a time, the princess's designs were more bright and beautiful than they ever had been. However, the two were so in love that they began to neglect their work. The princess left her weaving and the cow herder left his cows to wander all over the sky. The king decided to separate the two, granting their one wish by allowing the two to meet only day a year.

Tanabata is the celebration of the day the two stars meet at the Milky way. One of the biggest ways this holiday is celebrated is by wish-making, since the celestial couple was allowed one wish. A few of the other activities you might happen upon at a Tanabata celebration are fireworks, wearing yukata, and making paper decorations.

wishes tied to a bamboo stalk

detailed shot of the huge hanging star-like decorations

It's fun to walk through the hanging paper and let it glide over your face. :)

Usually, businesses and some homes will have a personalized bamboo stalk at their entrance, like this one at my apartment.

A detailed shot, showing the kanji for Tanabata: "Seventh Night" The actual holiday is July 7th.