WHEN EAST MEETS WEST: Tanabata Star Festival

Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.

Tanabata Matsuri is the essence of summer and summer festivals. Held in Japan either July or August 7, other Asian countries such as China and Korea also hold Star festivals.

The original form of Tanabata derives from Qi Xi, the Chinese Star Festival. Introduced to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto during the Nara Era (eight century), it became a popular event among the general public in the early Edo period (17th century).Mixing the old tale of Tanabatatatsume as well as various Oban traditions together with the original Chinese festival, it eventually developed into the modern form the we see it here today, with people writing their wishes on \”Tanzaku\” as it is called paper strips and put on bamboo trees to decorate them.

The tale of Tanabata

According to the tale of Tanabata, once upon a time long ago, there was a princess named Orihime (Weaving Princess).She was the daughter of Tenkou (Sky King) and wove beautiful cloth along the banks of the Amanogawa (River of Heaven: The Milky Way).As her father loved her cloth; she worked hard every day weaving .But she was unhappy because her work prevented her from meeting anybody and falling in love. Tenkou, who felt sorry for his daughter, arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (Cow Herder Star), who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa River.

Upon meeting the two fell in love instantly and got married shortly after. But upon