01/08/2026
This is what I’ve searched about Hikoboshi-san.😅
Tanabata is celebrated in Japan to commemorate the annual romantic reunion of two star-crossed celestial lovers—the weaver princess Orihime and the cowherd Hikoboshi—who are represented by the stars Vega and Altair.
The Legend Behind the Festival
* The Lovers: Orihime (Vega) wove beautiful clothes by the heavenly river, while Hikoboshi (Altair) tended his cows.
* The Separation: After they married, they fell so deeply in love that they neglected their work. Angered, the Sky King separated them on opposite sides of the Milky Way.
* The Reunion: Moved by their tears, the King allowed them to cross the Milky Way and meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month, but only if the skies are clear.
History and Traditions
* Chinese Origins: The festival arrived from China during the Nara period (710–794 AD), originally focusing on praying for better weaving and artistic skills.
* Wishes on Bamboo: During the Edo period (1603–1868), the celebration spread to the general public. People began writing wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku and tying them to bamboo branches.
* Why Bamboo? People believe bamboo’s straight, upward growth helps carry their wishes directly to the heavens.
When is it Celebrated?
* Dates: Most of Japan celebrates on July 7, but some regions follow the old lunar calendar and celebrate on August 7.
