Cultures

July 7, What Do You Do in Your Country?

In Asian countries, it is apparently common to hold some kind of festival on July 7. In Japan, this day is called “Tanabata”. Derived from Chinese mythology, it is known as a day when a weaver girl and a cowherd boy are allowed to meet once a year by the gods.

On this day in Japan, people write their wishes on long, thin pieces of paper and decorate them on bamboo leaves. The festival began when people in the past wished for “some kind of improvement in skill” on July 7 because a girl in the myth was good at weaving.

Bamboos are set up in shopping malls and commercial facilities. Anyone can freely write their wishes on a piece of paper and hang it on the bamboo.

On the paper, almost all children and adults put down their hopes for “health” and “peace”. Surprisingly few people seem to write, “I want to have enormous wealth!” People’s personal wishes include “to pass an exam” and “to be active in sports.”

What do you do on July 7 in your country?

Chinowa Kuguri: The Ritual to Pray for the Remaining Half Year to Be SafePrev

Finally, This Friday, Hayao Miyazaki’s Latest Film, “How Do You Live?”Next

Related post

  1. Cultures

    Japanese School Bags, Randoseru

    The new school year in Japan begins in April. Newly enrolled elementary school students in April carry their new school bags, randoseru, to their scho…

  2. Cultures

    Tango no Sekku: Selebrated Boy’s Day

    May 5 is "Tango no Sekku", a day in Japan to pray for the healthy growth of boys. Originally, the birth of a male heir was the most important event in…

  3. Cultures

    Blooming Japanese Apricot: Ume

    The early-spring flower Ume (Japanese apricot) is in bloom. Ume is the first to announce the arrival of spring in the cold of late January.Anoth…

  4. Cultures

    I cheer for new adults.

    Today is Coming of Age Day, a national holiday in Japan. People who turned 20 the previous year gather at the venue for the coming-of-age ceremony. Th…

  5. Cultures

    Japanese Elections

    Today, people all over the country are going to the polls to vote. These are elections to determine the councilors and mayors of the areas where voter…

  6. Cultures

    The New Year’s Fire Ritual

    Have you gotten out of the New Year's mood yet? On January 15, there was an event that concludes the New Year period from the end of the year to today…

PAGE TOP