Thursday, July 22, 2010

Tanabata(七夕)







July 7 is "Tanabata" festival in Japan. In English, it is also known as the "Star" festival; it originated more than 2000 years ago from an old Chinese legend in which two lovers were separated on the opposite sides of the Milky Way by their king. They were only allowed to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. They can't see each other if the day is rainy, so people pray for good weather and also make wishes for themselves. They write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches.

Many cities display long colorful streamers on the streets. The two biggest "Tanabata" festivals in Japan are held in Hiratsuka (just 20 minutes from Odawara) and Sendai (up in Tohoku). These festivals attract millions of visitors each year. Here are a few pics. from both festivals.

3 comments:

Mai Natori said...

I like TANBATA.Because I like the story of TANABATA.Do you know that??The main character,ORIHIME and HIKOBOSHI love each other,but they can meet one chance in a year.If that day is rainy,they can not meet.When I heared that story, I was very sad.But now I think this story is very very romantic!!!! If you have a chance of telling that story for your sony,you should tell the story.
KITASATO UNIVERSITY CLASS C 2009
09080 MAI NATORY

Anonymous said...

Good eveninng!
Hikobosi and orihime loved each other.
I read your blog,I think you and your wife love each other.

How many yaers do you marry?
And how did you meet?

shiho akiyama

Arata Mehara said...

My grandmother's house was located in Hiratsuka.
So,I was often go to Tanabata festival.