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Get ready to celebrate the magical and enchanting Star Festival on July 7! This traditional Japanese holiday, also known as Tanabata, has been celebrated for centuries to honor the meeting of two stars, represented by the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, these two lovers were separated by the Milky Way but are allowed to meet once a year on this special day. The festival is often celebrated with colorful decorations, writing wishes on strips of paper, and enjoying delicious festival foods. It's a truly beautiful and heartfelt celebration that brings people together under the stars.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>8th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tanabata Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The origins of the Star Festival tie back to the introduction of the Chinese Qixi Festival in Japan during the Nara period (710 to 794).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1603-1868</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tanabata Celebration Grows</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Edo period, Tanabata grew more popular with the accumulation of wealth and development of large-scale economies in urban areas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1928</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Sendai Tanabata Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official Star Festival, or Sendai Tanabata Festival, took place on July 7 in Sendai, featuring colorful streamers and bamboo decorations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-war Resurgence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following World War II, Star Festival became a symbol of reconstruction and was used as morale boost for war-ravaged Japan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Star Festival began to be celebrated outside of Japan, such as in Brazil, due to the increasing spread of Japanese culture globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>21st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Star Festival continues to be a beloved event with traditional roots and modern innovations, enjoyed both in Japan and worldwide.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional Star Festival event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search for local events or festivals that celebrate the Star Festival and attend one! You'll get to experience traditional decorations, food, and activities while learning about the cultural significance of this holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own Tanabata decorations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own Tanabata decorations using colorful paper, origami, and other craft supplies. Hang them up around your home or neighborhood to add some festive spirit to the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Tanabata-themed meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research traditional foods eaten during the Star Festival and create a themed meal for you and your family or friends. This could include dishes like somen noodles, unagi (eel), and mochi.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write and hang wishes on a bamboo tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Japan, it is tradition to write wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees during the Star Festival. Create your own bamboo tree and invite others to write their wishes and hang them as well.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Star Festival is often celebrated with beautiful fireworks displays. Gather some friends or family and find a spot to watch a local fireworks show, or create your own mini display at home using sparklers or other safe fireworks.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a celebration of love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Star Festival, also known as Tanabata in Japan, is a day to celebrate the star-crossed lovers Altair and Vega. This festival reminds us of the importance of love and relationships in our lives - whether it's with a romantic partner or friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the power of hope and dreams</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>According to legend, the two lovers are only able to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This reminds us to keep pursuing our hopes and dreams, even if they may seem impossible, because anything is possible on this magical night when wishes come true.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Star Festival is celebrated throughout many countries in Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. It is a time for communities to come together and enjoy traditional activities such as writing wishes on paper strips and hanging them on bamboo branches. This festival promotes cultural unity and understanding.</p></div></div>
Star Festival is celebrated on July 7th every year. In 2024 Star Festival will occur on a Sunday.
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Jul 7
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2024
Jul 7
Sunday
2025
Jul 7
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2026
Jul 7
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2027
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