Tanabata "Star" Festival

In Japan, Tanabata is celebrated every July 7th (or August 7th in some areas) where it is believed that at this time of the year, loverstars Altair and Vega get to meet each other.

During this Star Festival, children usually write their wishes on a white piece of paper (with a star pasted on it) and hang them in a bamboo branch (with some decorations too), and place the whole bunch near the window or door of the house, so that when the Stars see them, they will grant the children's wishes.

I did this for Luke. I made several wishes for him, mostly about his health and overall development, with high hopes that the Stars would pass by our house and read the wishes. ;) Coincidentally, Luke got feverish the day after Tanabata. But this doesn't mean that Tanabata is not true. I don't discourage anyone from believing or making the wishes. As I said, it was just coincidental.

More facts about Tanabata can be found at: Japan-Guide and Kids Web Japan
Photo taken from Kids Web Japan, ©Yoko Shibata