Writing Wishes for Tanabata on Vibrant Paper
The enchanting Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival, is a captivating event steeped in ancient Chinese legends and Japanese traditions. At its heart lies the timeless tale of QiXi, a story that revolves around two star-crossed lovers, Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the cow herder prince, who are separated by the Milky Way. According to legend, they are only permitted to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, which corresponds to July 7th in the Gregorian calendar.
The Tanabata Festival first made its way to Japan during the Heian period (794–1185) and initially became part of court ceremonies. As time passed, particularly during the Edo period (1603–1868), it grew in popularity and became a festival for the masses. During this period, the festival evolved to incorporate elements of an ancient Chinese tradition called “Kikōden,” where people prayed for proficiency in weaving and sewing, and a Japanese custom of offering cloth to the gods for a bountiful harvest.
One of the most beloved customs of the Tanabata Festival is wish writing. People write their desires on vibrant strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo trees or other decorations. These wishes often encompass hopes for good health, happiness, or success. The festival is also adorned with colourful streamers and lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traditional foods such as somen (thin noodles) and mochi are commonly served during celebrations.
Interestingly, the Tanabata Festival is influenced by the weather. According to legend, Orihime and Hikoboshi can only meet if the skies are clear, lending a magical quality to the festival's timing.
Today, the Tanabata Festival is celebrated across Japan on July 7th, with major festivities taking place in cities like Sendai and Hiratsuka. People gather to admire the decorations, write their wishes, and enjoy traditional foods and activities. The festival serves as a significant cultural event, symbolizing the power of love and hope.
The Tanabata Festival is a unique cultural event with a rich and romantic legend. The paper used for tanzaku typically comes in five colours: green, red, yellow, white, and purple, representing the five elements in Chinese cosmology. The original black colour, associated with water in Chinese cosmology, is not considered lucky in Japan and was replaced with purple.
As the festival unfolds, public displays of tanzaku may be in place for several weeks leading up to the event. The stars in the Tanabata legend symbolize a bond of love. Children's wishes often involve new toys, success in studies, or improvement in sports, while adults' wishes centre on work or romance.
The Tanabata Festival is not just a celebration of wishes, but also a symbolic reunion of the weaver and cowherder stars. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and hope, reminding us of the magic that lies within the stars.
Participants of the Tanabata Festival might add their wishes for success, health, or happiness to the vibrant tanzaku strips and connect them to bamboo trees or decorations, mirroring the romantic link between the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. In the spirit of fashion-and-beauty and education-and-self-development, the festive attire and requests of children often reflect their interest in toys, studies, or sports, while adults aim for improvement in their work or romantic relationships.
