Based on the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory

The five colors used for Tanabata tanzaku (paper strips) are based on the ancient Chinese theory of yin-yang and the five elements. In this theory, the elements of the universe are classified into five—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and are believed to have a profound influence on the natural world and human life. Each tanzaku color symbolizes one of these elements and is said to represent harmony and balance.

China

The Tanabata Festival has its origins in an ancient Chinese legend. This legend tells the story of Altair (Hikoboshi) and Vega (Orihime), who are separated by the Milky Way and can meet only once a year. It derives from the Chinese observance known as Qixi (Qiqiao Festival).

married couple

Orihime and Hikoboshi are husband and wife in the legend of Tanabata. This legend originates from an old Chinese tale and spread in Japan during the Heian period. Although the two are separated by the Milky Way, it is said that they can meet once a year on the night of July 7.

Because the enraged Heavenly Emperor tore the two apart.

According to the Tanabata legend in question, Orihime and Hikoboshi originally lived happily, but they became so absorbed in their romance that they neglected their work, for which the Heavenly Emperor severely rebuked them. Enraged, the Emperor separated them to opposite banks of the Milky Way. Since then, it is said that they are allowed to cross the Milky Way and meet only once a year, on the day of Tanabata. This is the background to making wishes during Tanabata each year.

tears-inducing rain (literally “tear-evoking rain”; often used poetically for rain that seems to bring tears or is associated with sorrow)

The rain that falls on Tanabata is called “tear-bringing rain.” This expression depicts Orihime and Hikoboshi weeping in sorrow when they cannot reach each other on their once-a-year rendezvous. It is said that their tears become the falling rain, giving the scene a poetic atmosphere.

From the evening to the night of July 6

It’s said that Tanabata decorations should be put up from the evening to the night of July 6 to welcome the deities, and taken down on the 7th. The gods return on the 7th, taking your wishes back with them at that time.

A machine that weaves the gods’ kimono

It is because the machine used to weave the gods’ garments was called tanabata (棚機), and the women who did the weaving were called tanabatatsume (棚機女). There is also a theory that the festival is called Tanabata because the event was held every year on the evening of July 7.

Altair

The final corner that forms the Summer Triangle is Altair. Altair is the alpha star of Aquila and is one of the stars that appears very bright in the summer night sky. The Weaver Star is Vega in the constellation Lyra, and the Cowherd Star, Hikoboshi, refers to Altair in the constellation Aquila.

somen (thin Japanese wheat noodles)

The traditional food said to be eaten on Tanabata is somen noodles. This custom is believed to originate from likening the slender shape of somen to the image of Orihime weaving at her loom. In addition, somen is popular as a summer festive dish because its delicate, smooth texture makes it easy to eat during the coming hot season.

Because it was used for Shinto rituals.

The custom of decorating with bamboo grass during Tanabata originates from its use in Shinto rituals. Because bamboo leaves grow in a way that keeps them from moving, they came to be seen as symbols of purification that ward off impurity, and were used to sanctify sacred spaces. On the night of Tanabata, people began attaching paper strips and ornaments to bamboo leaves with wishes that Orihime and Hikoboshi would safely cross the Milky Way to meet, and that people’s own wishes would be conveyed.