Tanabata

 July 7th is the Tanabata festival. 

In kindergartens, schools, libraries, community centers, and other buildings, you will see bamboo decorated with colorful strips of paper called tanzaku. People write their wishes, hopes, and dreams on them. 

Tanabata decoration

The festival celebrates the story of two celestial lovers, which is originally from China and came to Japan in the Heian Period (794-1185).

Orihime-Weaving Princess, the daughter of Tentei (Sky King), was a gifted weaver, creating beautiful clothes by the banks of the Amanogawa, the Milky Way.  

Hikoboshi -Cow Herder Star- was a diligent and handsome cow herder who lived on the opposite side of the Milky Way.

One day, they met and fell deeply in love; their love consumed them so much that they neglected their duties.

This angered the Sky King, so he separated them and put them on the opposite side of the Milky Way.

Orihime was so brokenhearted that she pleaded with her father to allow her to meet her husband. Moved by her tears, the Sky King allowed them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.

This magical reunion depended on a bridge being formed across the Milky Way. It is said that magpies would form a bridge with their wings. If it rains, however, magpies can't fly and the lovers would have to wait another year.

Today's festival is a joyful occasion to make wishes and celebrate the star-crossed lovers.

I always feel that the real summer has started with this festival. 

I remember teaching in kindergartens, the kids would be so excited to "write" their wishes and put them on the bamboo. 

I don't think the UK has this kind of festival. I'm wondering if other countries do!