Tanabata

Today, the 7th day of the 7th month, is the Tanabata festival. This festival celebrates the meeting of the 2 stars, Vega and Altair, and is a time to write down your wish for the future, which, with good fortune will come true. To celebrate, you write your wish on a piece of paper and hang it from a bamboo branch. We did this at school today, making paper decorations for the branch so it looked attractive.

Many big shops have branches outside their doors so people can write down their wishes... it reminded me a little of Christmas, hanging wishes on Christmas decorations outside shops. I noticed on the way home that many house had branches outside their doors.

Some towns hold festivals and place large decorations around the city. I did not notice many in Fukuoka I think that may be as they are preparing for a very big local festival here next week.

Just like we have a special story about the stars for Matariki, there is also a special story about Tanabata. To read the story click on the link below...