It’s summer in Japan and time for Tanabata Matsuri, the essence of the Japanese summer festival. Usually held on July 7 or Aug 7, people in Japan celebrate Tanabata by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on “tanzaku” paper strips and decorate bamboo trees with them. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.

The original form of Tanabata derives from Qi Xi, the Chinese Star Festival. Introduced to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto during the eighth century, it became a popular event among the general public in the early Edo period (17th century). That popularity continues today.

According to the tale of Tanabata, there was once a princess named Orihime (Weaving Princess). She was the daughter of Tenkou (Sky King). Orihime wove beautiful cloth along the banks of the Amanogawa (River of Heaven: The Milky Way). Her father loved the cloth and she worked hard every day weaving, but she was lonely. Realizing this her father introduced Orihime to Hikoboshi (Cow Herder Star), who lived and worked on the other said of the Amanogawa. Upon meeting, the two fell in love instantly and soon were married. But upon their marriage Orihime stopped weaving the cloth and Hikoboshi let his cows stray all over the heavens. Tenkou was distressed and separated the young couple by placing them on opposite sides of the Milky Way. Orihime was brokenhearted and begged her father to let her meet Hikoboshi again. The father finally agreed to let the two meet on the seventh day of the seventh month under the condition that Orihime would work hard and finish her weaving.

Tanabata festivals are held in many places in Japan, mainly along shopping malls and streets, which are decorated with large, colorful streamers. It’s a great way to enjoy summer!