Ohoshi-sama kira-kira; Kin Gin sunago.
On a lighter note, I've decided to make a jolly entry to balance out my previous dramatic post. Let me introduce to you the 七夕 or the Star Festival. Sounds happy-full already right? It most certainly is!
The Tanabata, which means the "Evening of the Seventh", is exactly that. It is a festival in Japan celebrated on the 7th night of the 7th month, in other words: July 7th. To think that we'd be in Japan by July! Ooohhh.... I'm so looking forward to it!
It is originally Chinese, celebrating the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) who are seperated by the river of stars, the Milky Way. These two lovers are only allowed to meet during the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunisolar calendar. During the festival, people write wishes on small pieces of paper, sometimes in a form of poetry, then tie them to a bamboo, and it is set afloat on a river around midnight. Of course, a festival of stars is done during the night... *sighs* It'd be so wonderful... Star-gazing in Japan, wishes floating on the river, celebrating the reunion of lovers, immersed in the festive atmosphere.
The Tanabata has seven types of decorations (no it's not a coincidence):
- Paper Strips - a piece made with wishes. Tied to a bamboo.
- Paper Kimono - for better sewing skills *shrugs*. Also wards off accidents and bad health.
- Paper Crane - grants safety for your family, good health and longer life.
- Purse - you could try and guess what this is for.
- Net - bountiful fishing and for a greater harvest.
- Trash Bag - cleanliness. We all wish for that right?
- Streamers - symbolizes the strings that Orihime (Vega) uses to weave.
And much like other festivals, it also includes the much-awaited yatai; Stalls of food, toys, games and whatnots, the symbolic entity that drives throves of people outside of their homes, spending their cash for trinkets that's probably triple their original prices. There are also parades, Miss Tanabata contests (search for a star, hehe), decoration competitions and much more!
No telescopes needed~ ^__^
2 messages:
Honestly...i've thought about seven dwarfs when i saw this post. Anyways..that sounds fun..and good for romantic moods.
I like the idea of celebrating a festival with such a romantic history, on a night of sevens, with the stars as the center of attention.
They're such an underrated piece of the skies.
I wonder what wish I'd write on my paper... to see it float in a river... in Japan... I hope I don't faint.
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