The two of them fell in love the second as they laid their eyes upon each other. They didn't hesitate for long and became married shortly after. Living their life as a happy couple, Orihime neglected her weaving, and Hikoboshi let his cows roam free all over Heaven.
The Sky King was angered by the neglect of the couple's duties, separated them, and ultimately forbade them to meet. Orihime, on one side of the Heavenly River , was heartbroken, as her beloved was out of reach, on the other side of the river. She turned to her father in desperation, pleading him to let her meet her beloved Hikoboshi. The Sky King couldn't help but notice Orihime's unhappiness and allowed her to see Hikoboshi on the 7th day of the 7th month. When the day of their meeting finally came, Orihime and Hikoboshi realized that there was no bridge across the Heavenly River - and by that, it would be impossible for them to meet.
Devastated, Orihime broke down and cried bitter tears. Her anguish was so great, a flock of magpies heard her crying and built a bridge with their wings, allowing Orihime to cross the river and see Hikoboshi. The birds also made a promise: they would come back on every 7th day of the 7th month to reunite the lovers. Orihime represents the stellar formation of Vega, while Hikoboshi stands for Altair.
You might have already guessed it, but the Heavenly River is none other than the Milky Way. The intersection of those two stars first gave birth to the lore that then created Tanabata Festival. The characters for Tanabata literally mean "Evening of the Seventh", a direct referral to the 7th day of the 7th month mentioned in the lore.
The annual reunion of the star-crossed lovers is celebrated in rather big fashion. The mortal population uses the happy event not only to praise the two stars but also send their very own wishes towards the heavens. One of the most famous customs of Tanabata Festival is the writing of said wishes on small strips of paper called tanzaku, which are then pinned or hanged on bamboo decorations.
The many wishes, along with their bamboo hosts, are then often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival. This is a direct link to O-Bon, where instead of wishes, paper boats are set afloat. This link is not a coincidence, as the festivals of Tanabata and O-Bon used to be very close to each other, if not overlap, in the old Japanese lunisolar calendar.
They became separate events as the Gregorian calendar was adapted and the dates for the festivals shifted. Apart from the bamboo decorations, paper plays a major role when it comes to decorating one's home or the streets of a city. Big, colorful streamers made from paper are installed wherever Tanabata is celebrated.
People also decorate their homes with smaller, handcrafted paper ornaments. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is held on the evening of July 7. The festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star Altair and Weaver Star Vega , lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year - on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Children and adults write their wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches placed in the backyards or entrances of their homes. They then pray hard that their wishes will come true. The Tanabata festival is thought to have started in China. By using our website you accept our Cookies Policy. Click here to know more. Your JR tickets Just a click away. Book Now. Table of Contents. Why travel to Japan? Is it safe to travel to Japan?
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