Tanabata, held on July 7th, is a traditional event that symbolizes summer in Japan. It originates from a romantic legend in which Orihime and Hikoboshi are reunited by crossing the Milky Way, and is loved by many people.

However, few people may know in detail how this event began or what cultural appeal it has.

So, this time we will introduce the history of Tanabata and how to enjoy it. Let's enjoy Tanabata even more while appreciating the profound meaning of this traditional Japanese event.

The History of Japanese Tanabata Culture

If we trace the roots of Tanabata, we find that it is deeply connected to Chinese legends and ancient Japanese religious rites.

How did Tanabata come about and how did it evolve into its current form? Let's explore its history and background.

Legends from China and the Qiqiao Festival

The origins of Tanabata date back to the story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, which is recorded in the ancient Chinese poetry collection, "Shijing." In this story, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, Weaver Girl, who was skilled at weaving, married the hardworking cowherd Altair. However, after the marriage, the two stopped working, and the Heavenly Emperor became angry and separated the two on opposite sides of the Milky Way. However, seeing the sadness of the two, the Heavenly Emperor allowed them to meet again just once a year on July 7th.

This legend led to the Chinese event known as "Kikkoden." This custom, in which women pray for improvement in weaving, sewing, calligraphy, etc., was introduced to Japan during the Nara period and became a special event held at the Imperial Court.

Fusion with the Japanese Shinto ritual "Tanabata"

The background of how Tanabata took its present-day form in Japan is deeply connected to the ancient Japanese Shinto ritual "Tanabata." In this ritual, young women would retreat to weaving huts built near pure rivers and pray for a good autumn harvest and avoidance of disasters by weaving clothes to be offered to the gods with all their heart. These women were called "Tanabatatsume," and their appearance overlaps with the legend of Orihime, which was introduced from China.

Furthermore, the Tanabata festival is linked to ancient Japanese nature worship, and riverside areas and weaving venues were considered sacred places. As a result of this fusion of unique Japanese beliefs and culture of Chinese origin, Tanabata became known as "Tanabata."

The Tanabata culture that spread during the Edo period

Tanabata was officially designated as one of the "Five Seasonal Festivals" by the shogunate during the Edo period. From this time on, Tanabata events spread among the common people, and the modern-day custom of writing wishes on strips of paper was born. At the time, people often prayed for improvement in calligraphy or academics.

The "Five Seasonal Festivals" are traditional Japanese annual events, including "Jinjitsu" on January 7, "Joshi" (Peach Festival) on March 3, "Tango" on May 5, "Tanabata" on July 7, and "Choyo" on September 9. All of these are important events that celebrate the turning points of the seasons.

Types of Tanabata Decorations and Their Meanings

On Tanabata, there is a traditional custom of hanging ornaments with wishes on them from bamboo. This beautiful custom, unique to Japan, is said to symbolize sending wishes to the heavens. Each ornament also has a meaning, making Tanabata even more special.

Here we will introduce some typical decorations and their meanings.

Tanzaku

Writing wishes on five-colored strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo is a custom that symbolizes Tanabata. These five colors originate from the ancient Chinese theory of the five elements, and each has a meaning. Red represents gratitude to family, blue represents growth, yellow represents human relationships, white represents a sense of justice, and purple represents academic and technical improvement. The strips of paper swaying in the wind evoke the image of wishes reaching high into the heavens.

Streamers

The streamers symbolize the threads that Orihime wove. The long five-colored pieces of paper fluttering in the wind represent the hope for improved skills and sewing ability. This decoration gives a sense of harmony between Orihime's work and nature.

A Thousand Cranes

The crane is a symbol of longevity, and the thousand paper cranes represent a prayer for the health and safety of one's family. The colorful origami cranes are hung from the bamboo to express prayers for peace and prosperity.

Net decoration

Net decorations are designed to resemble fishing nets, and represent prayers for a good catch and a life without food shortages. Since ancient times in Japan, they have been a symbol of gratitude for the blessings of nature.

purse

Kinchaku (drawstring pouch) symbolizes a small wallet and is a decoration that represents wishes for financial luck and saving money. They are often made from origami paper and when displayed, they represent wishes for abundance.

Linking in a Ring

Ring-connecting ornaments are decorations that represent connections, and symbolize the continuing bonds and dreams between people. The sight of the connected rings swaying in the wind gives a sense of hope for the future.

Star decoration

The star decorations are a prayer for wishes to reach the starry sky. The twinkling star shape is reminiscent of the starry sky where Orihime and Hikoboshi are reunited.

How to enjoy Japan's Tanabata culture

Tanabata, based on the romantic tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, who meet once a year, is an event that teaches us the importance of continuing to work hard and the joy of making wishes.

We will introduce you to some ways to enjoy Tanabata.

Try writing a short story

Speaking of Tanabata, the custom of writing wishes on strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo is an essential part of the festival. This custom began in the Edo period, when people primarily wished for improvement in calligraphy and the arts. In modern times, people write a variety of wishes, including for health, work, romance, and family happiness. By writing your dreams and goals on strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo, you may be able to reexamine your wishes and take a step towards making them come true.

The charm of Tanabata is that it is a simple act that allows us to calm our minds and imagine our hopes for the future. This Tanabata, why not write your wishes on a strip of paper and enjoy a special time?

Enjoy a Tanabata-themed meal

There is a tradition of eating "somen" noodles on Tanabata. This custom originates from "sakubei," an offering made in ancient China to ward off disasters. Sakubei was eventually introduced to Japan and became familiar as somen.

It is also recommended to use five-colored somen noodles to represent paper strips or the Milky Way. Furthermore, by adding seasonal summer vegetables and tempura, you can create a dish that is both visually appealing and tasty. Somen noodles are reminiscent of Orihime's weaving thread, so they also represent wishes for improvement in sewing and other skills. Try incorporating star-shaped ingredients to enhance the atmosphere of Tanabata.

Looking up at the night sky

Gazing at the stars on the night of Tanabata is one of the best parts of the event. Try to find the "Great Summer Triangle" made up of Vega (Orihime) in Lyra, Altair (Hikoboshi) in Aquila, and Deneb in Cygnus. These stars symbolize the two people who share the Milky Way in the Tanabata story.

It may be difficult to see the stars in urban areas, but if you observe in places with little light, you can enjoy the Milky Way and many other stars. The starry sky is especially clear around August, close to Tanabata on the lunar calendar. Why not enjoy a moment looking up at the night sky while thinking of the reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi?

summary

Tanabata is a beautiful traditional event unique to Japan, with the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi as its backdrop. Its history, decorations, and food culture are filled with deep meaning that has been passed down over the years.

Experience the Tanabata customs by eating somen noodles, writing your wishes on a strip of paper, and gazing at the starry sky. You'll be able to experience the charm of Japanese culture on a deeper level.