7th July - Tanabata 七夕

A bamboo tree with strips of paper

7th of July is the day of Tanabata. Tanabata is the star festival which was introduced from China to Japan in the 8th century and became popular in the Edo period.

The event celebrates the meeting of a pari of lovers, stars separated by the Milky way for the first time a year. The story is originated from a Chinese legend.

People write their wishes on the strips of paper and hang them from bamboo branches.
Though it depends on the areas, in my home town, the bamboo will be burned on the 7th July so that the wishes will reach to the stars.


７月７日は七夕ですね。七夕の風習は８世紀に中国から伝わり、江戸時代に広まったそうです。

彦星と織姫が１年に一度だけ会える日、というお話は中国の伝説から来ているそうです。
短冊に願いは書きましたでしょうか？

地域によって違うようですが、私の実家の方では、７月７日の夜に笹を燃やして、願いが天に届くように祈ります。

皆さんも、素敵な七夕をお過ごしください！

The star festival usually will be held on the 7th of August, which is the day of Tanabata in the old calender.
七夕まつりは旧暦の七夕、８月７日に行われることが多いそうです。