| In the 8th century, a Chinese legend
crossed over to Japan and became entwined with various folk traditions to create
the popular summertime observance of Tanabata. The festival is inspired by
a tale of two stars-Vega, “the weaving princess”, and Altair, “the
cowherd”. According to legend, these star-crossed lovers may traverse
the Milky Way to be together only once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th month
of the old lunar calendar. Tanabata has always been a time for making wishes.
People write wishes on strips of paper and attach them to colorfully decorated
bamboo branches, which can be seen in |
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