1.
Tanabata decorations; ornamental strips and streamers for the Star Festival
Colorful paper decorations — primarily 短冊 (paper strips with wishes), origami cranes, and streamers — hung on bamboo branches for the July 7 Tanabata festival.
七夕飾りを作る。
To make Tanabata decorations.
商店街に七夕飾りが並んでいる。
Tanabata decorations are lined up along the shopping street.
子供たちが短冊に願い事を書いて七夕飾りに結んだ。
The children wrote their wishes on paper strips and tied them to the Tanabata decorations.
Compound of 七夕 (Star Festival, July 7) + 飾り (decoration). Refers collectively to the bamboo-and-paper decorations displayed in homes, schools, train stations, and shopping districts.
COMMON COMPONENTS:
- 短冊: paper strips inscribed with wishes
- 折り鶴: origami cranes
- 吹き流し: streamers
- 笹飾り: bamboo decoration (alternative name)
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
The Tanabata legend tells of two stars — Orihime and Hikoboshi — who can meet only once a year across the Milky Way. People write wishes on 短冊 hoping the stars will grant them. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is famous for its elaborate displays.