Tanabata Wishes: The Magic of Colorful Tanzaku Strips
Introduction
Walk through any shopping arcade, train station, or school in Japan during early July, and you will be greeted by a vibrant spectacle: large bamboo branches adorned with colorful paper streamers and hundreds of small, rectangular strips of paper fluttering in the breeze. This is the hallmark of Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival.
The paper strips, called tanzaku, are more than just decorations; they are vessels for the hopes and dreams of the Japanese people. From a child’s wish to become a soccer player to an adult’s prayer for good health, these handwritten notes are a poignant reminder of the universal human desire for happiness. While the festival is visually stunning, understanding the cultural significance behind writing these wishes adds a profound layer of depth to the traveler’s experience.
The Legend of the Star-Crossed Lovers
To understand why wishes are made, one must first understand the celestial romance that underpins the festival. The story of Tanabata is a Japanese retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale concerning two stars: Vega and Altair.
Orihime and Hikoboshi
According to the legend, Orihime (the Weaver Princess, represented by the star Vega) was the daughter of the Tentei (Sky King). She wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Amanogawa (Milky Way). Because she worked so hard, her father arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (the Cowherd, represented by the star Altair), who lived on the other side of the Milky Way.
The two fell instantly in love and married. However, their love was so consuming that they began to neglect their duties: Orihime stopped weaving, and Hikoboshi let his cows wander astray. Angered by this, the Sky King separated the lovers across the Milky Way and forbade them from meeting.
Moving by his daughter’s tears, the King eventually relented, allowing them to meet just once a year—on the seventh day of the seventh month. It is said that if it rains on this day, the magpies cannot form a bridge across the river, and the lovers must wait another year. Therefore, Japanese people pray for clear skies and make wishes on this auspicious night.
Origins of the Tradition
The Tanabata festival traces its roots back to the Chinese Qixi Festival, which was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710–794). Initially, it was an aristocratic event known as Kikkoden (The Festival to Plead for Skills).
During the Heian period, courtiers would gaze at the stars, compose poetry, and pray for improvement in craftsmanship and weaving, inspired by Orihime’s talent. Over centuries, specifically during the Edo period (1603–1867), the custom spread to the common people. The nature of the wishes evolved from pleas for better handwriting and weaving skills to general wishes for health, prosperity, and love. This is when the tradition of hanging tanzaku on bamboo branches became widespread.
Modern Culture: The Meaning of Colors
Today, Tanabata is celebrated with zest across Japan. While you can write a wish on any piece of paper, traditional tanzaku adhere to a specific color code derived from the Five Elements theory of Chinese philosophy. Each color corresponds to a specific virtue, and choosing the right color is said to help the wish come true.
The Five Colors of Tanzaku
- Blue (or Green): Represents Wood and the virtue of Benevolence. It is often used for wishes regarding personal growth or caring for others.
- Red: Represents Fire and the virtue of Propriety (or gratitude). This is the color for thanking ancestors or wishing for the well-being of family members.
- Yellow: Represents Earth and the virtue of Faith (or honesty). This color is ideal for wishes involving relationships, trust, and business.
- White: Represents Metal and the virtue of Righteousness (or duty). Use white for firmly resolving to follow rules or meet obligations (like quitting smoking or studying hard).
- Black (or Purple): Represents Water and the virtue of Wisdom. This is the best color for wishes related to academic success or acquiring new skills.
After the festival, the bamboo trees and decorations were traditionally set afloat on a river or burned as an offering, signifying the release of the wishes to the heavens, though modern environmental concerns have largely curbed the river-floating practice.
Traveler’s Tips: How to Participate
If you are visiting Japan in the summer, participating in Tanabata is a must-do cultural activity.
When to Go
While the official date is July 7th (Gregorian calendar), many regions celebrate in August based on the old lunar calendar. This means you have two chances to catch the festivities. The most famous festivals, like the Sendai Tanabata Festival, take place in early August.
Where to Go
- Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture): The largest and most famous festival, featuring massive paper streamers.
- Hiratsuka (Kanagawa Prefecture): Known for its vibrant decorations and large parades.
- Local Shrines and Temples: Almost every neighborhood shrine will have bamboo set up. Zojoji Temple in Tokyo is particularly famous for its candle night event with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Making Your Wish
Most public displays will have a table set nearby with pens and paper strips. Participation is usually free or requires a small donation (around 100 yen).
- Select a tanzaku strip (choose a color that matches your intent!).
- Write your wish clearly. While Japanese is traditional, English is perfectly acceptable.
- Tie the string attached to the paper onto a bamboo branch.
- Look up at the sky and hope for a clear night so Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the historical and literary roots of Tanabata and Japanese mythology, the following texts are essential:
- The Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves): Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry contains numerous poems dedicated to the romance of the Weaver and the Cowherd.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Offers historical context on the introduction of Chinese customs to the Japanese court.
- The Tale of Genji: Provides insight into how festivals like Tanabata were celebrated by the Heian aristocracy.