『TANABATA』 is a traditional star festival celebrated on 7th of July every year. Up in the sky where gods are, 『ORIHIME』 and 『HIKOBOSHI』 the lovers can only meet each other once in a year on this day walking across the river 『AMANOGAWA』. It is also called 『SHICHISEKI』 and known as a traditional star festival. People write wishes on a 『TANZAKU』 (strip of paper) and tag it on a small bamboo wishing for the stars.

The love story of 『ORIHIME and HIKOBOSHI』 is originally from Chinese legend of stars. Vega in the Lyra constellation (ORIHIME) is a hard-working young woman whose speciality is weaving. The herdsman the star Altair (HIKOBOSHI) is a fine young man who looks after cows very well. Heavenly Emperor allowed them to be married happily since they both work very hard. However, both of them loved each other so much and stopped working to spend time with each other. Heavenly Emperor was furious and divided them to both side of the milky way and allowed them to see each other once a year on 7th of July. If it rains on this day, a magpie builds a bridge over the milky way for them.

『TANABATA』 has spread to local people in EDO-era as children learnt reading and writing practicing by writing wishes on a 『TANZAKU』 (strip of paper). The wishes written were improvement of weaving, sawing, traditional performance arts, and calligraphy. As time goes by wishes changes to suit each time. Now days, wishes are mainly academic achievements, health and longevity, fulfillment in love, family members' happiness, world peace, and so on. 『TANZAKU』 (strip of paper) are mainly in 5 different colors. People choose which color's TANZAKU according to what kind of wish they pray for. Each color has a meaning originally come from China.

・Red: To be thankful, and thank for your parents and ancestors

・Blue (Green): Growth and improvements, accumulate virtue, and self-development and improvement

・Yellow: Trust, value personal relationships, and bond with friends

・White: Follow rules and responsibilities, and pure heart

・Black (Purple): Improvement of studies, and knowledges

Small bamboos are used for decorations as they grow well greenly and strong even in winter. It was believed to be holy and the sound of leaves in a breeze was believed to welcome gods. The decorations have meanings as well.

『FUKINAGASHI (windswept tree) 』
Representing ORIHIME's threads when she weaves wishing to improve weaving as well as a long healthy life

『KAMIKO/KAMIGOROMO (paper clothes) 』
To wish improvements pf weaving skills and always have clothes to wear, as well as protection from misfortunes

『TOAMI/TOUMOU （cast net) 』
Representing a cast net wishing for bountiful fish catches harvest as well as good luck

『KINCHAKU (pouch) 』
Wishing for increase in financial luck and prosperous business as well as learning the importance of money and to save wealth

『ORIZURU (paper crane) 』
Wish for family wellness, long lives, and safety

『KUZUKAGO (wastebasket) 』
To put garbage from making decorations to learn the importance of organizing and tidying up

We shall look up to the sky wishing for the stars on TANABATA day 7th of July.



Reference: HARUNOHI
https://harunohi.jp/680_tanabata-toha/