Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.
Tanabata Matsuri or Tanabata Festival is the essence of summer and summer festivals.
Held in Japan on early July 7th or August 7th in other Asian countries such as China and South Korea also hold Star Festivals.
Photo of Tanabata Festival
Tanabata Star Festival originated in China and is based on a legend that two stars-Aliair the Cowherd Star, and Vega, the Weaver Star-are allowed to cross the Milky Way, and meet on this special night of the year.
The legend says that Altair, the patron of agriculture, and Vega, patroness of silkworm raising and weaving, were passionately in love, but that god didn\’t like it and placed them on the opposite sides of the Milky Way.
Praying for the happy reunion of the two stars, many Japanese families with children place branches of cut bamboo decorated with strips of paper bearing poems, romantic aspirations and wishes in their yards or by their doorways.
Photo: Tanabata Festival, make a wish
Nowadays, some cities like Tabata and Fukuoka nearby take advantage of this opportunity and Lantern hold festivals in spectacular fashion the lanterns are in a pyramid shape with about 100 paper lanterns by with candles. With many men caring them on wooden frames while dancing and singing.
During the darkness of night this Lantern Festival is spectacular, thus it is a great tourist attraction.
Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan, Enjoy A Really Great Summer.
Hank F. Miller Jr.
see more When East meets West
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