Today is Tanabata in Japan. Orihime and Hikoboshi meet in the Milky Way. The characters in the story represent two stars, Vega and Altair, and so it is also known as the Star Festival.
As part of the celebrations, people write their wish on a colored strip of paper called tanzaku and hang it up on bamboo.
The original story is based on Chinese folklore. There are several versions, but here I introduce one.
Orihime is the weaving princess. Hikoboshi is a cowherd who lives on the other side of the Milky Way. When they met, they fell in love, and the two soon married. But they neglected their duties, which angered God. As punishment, they were separated and could only meet once a year, which is July 7.
Photo by イラストAC
4 responses to “Tanabata 七夕⭐🎋”
Tanabata in Chinese culture is also called 七夕, but pronounced as Qixi. It’s our Valentines Day, but only people in China celebrate that…we celebrate the Valentines Day on February, and some of me and my friends talk about the unofficial Valentines Day, 520. 520 is a homophone of I love you (我爱你) in Chinese.
Wow! I didn’t know that. Thank you. 🙏😊 I have often talked to Chinese people because I am a Japanese teacher. They said that there is a tradition to give and eat apples before Christmas in China. 🍎🙂
I didn’t know about the apples one! I’m glad to learn so. And you’re welcome, Lili-san!
NICE pictures 💓💝