Tanabata 2017

Tanabata is Japan's Star Festival inspired by the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way. People write wishes on tanzaku and decorate bamboo. Dates vary between 7 July, August and older calendar traditions.

Tanabata is Japan's Star Festival, shaped by an old Chinese tale of the Weaver Girl and Cowherd and by Japanese traditions of wishing for skill and learning. In the familiar story, Orihime, represented by the star Vega, and Hikoboshi, represented by Altair, are separated by the heavenly river, the Milky Way. They are permitted to meet only once a year, on the seventh night of the seventh month. Versions of the tale differ, and rainy weather is sometimes said to prevent their reunion.

In Japan the story blended with court customs, weaving-related observances and seasonal celebrations. People write hopes on coloured strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo with paper ornaments. Wishes may concern study, craftsmanship, work, health or relationships. Towns decorate shopping streets with long streamers and hold local festivals. Some communities dispose of decorations ceremonially, but releasing paper into rivers or burning it is not universally required and may be restricted.

The date varies by calendar convention. Many places observe Tanabata on 7 July in the Gregorian calendar; Sendai's famous festival is held in August, reflecting a month-delayed convention, and some places use a traditional lunisolar date. The related Chinese Qixi story and Korean Chilseok have their own cultural practices. A calendar app should identify which Japanese observance it means rather than assuming every community celebrates on the same day.

Japanese Star Festival recalling Orihime and Hikoboshi, with wishes for skill, learning and reunion.

Write wishes on coloured tanzaku paper, decorate bamboo and attend local festivals; dispose of decorations safely.

Many Japanese communities use 7 July, while Sendai and some others celebrate in August under month-delayed or older calendar customs; Chinese Qixi is related but separate.