|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
IHG ANA HOTELS in Japan. Check it out.
Here,we introduce hot sightseeing spots and cultural information from the areas
close to IHG ANA HOTELS in Japan. Check it out! |
|
 |
|
 |
 Tanabata (star festival) is a festival of Chinese origin introduced to Japan during the Nara Period, which takes place on July 7 of each year to celebrate the meeting of the two stars, Vega and Altair. According to legend, these stars are referred to as lovers, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair), who are separated by the Milky Way and are only allowed to meet on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
The most popular tanabata custom is writing wishes on tanzaku (narrow strips of colored paper) and hanging them on bamboo branches with other paper decorations. At individual homes, these bamboo branches are placed in the backyard or the front door. These decorated bamboo branches can also be seen at various places like schools, train stations, etc. In the past, it was common for these decorated bamboos to be placed on water and set float after the festival, but this custom is no longer practiced for ecological reasons.
Although this festival is celebrated throughout Japan, the festivals in Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture) and Hiratsuka (Kanagawa Prefecture) are the most well known for its large, elaborate tanabata displays in shopping arcades supported by local businesses. |
 |
 |
|
|
