七夕(たなばた)

Etymology

七夕(たなばた) originates from the Chinese Qixi Festival, combined with Japanese legends. The name literally means 'seventh evening.'

The legend

The weaver princess 織姫(おりひめ) (represented by Vega) and the cowherd 彦星(ひこぼし) (represented by Altair) are lovers separated by the 天(あま)の川(がわ) (Milky Way). They are allowed to meet only once a year on this night.

Traditions

• Writing wishes on 短冊(たんざく) (colored paper strips)
• Hanging decorations on bamboo branches (笹(ささ))
• Making 七夕飾(たなばたかざ)り (Tanabata decorations)

Common expressions

• 七夕祭(たなばたまつ)り: Tanabata festival
• 七夕飾(たなばたかざ)り: Tanabata decorations
• 七夕(たなばた)の夜(よる): the night of Tanabata

Regional variation

In some regions (notably Sendai), Tanabata is celebrated on August 7th following the old lunar calendar.