Historical Background
Tanabata (たなばた or 七夕), also known as the Star Festival (星祭り, Hoshimatsuri), is a Japanese celebration that has its origins in the Chinese Qixi Festival. It marks the annual meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, symbolized by the stars Vega and Altair, who according to legend are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. While the date of Tanabata varies across different regions of Japan, the first festivities generally begin on July 7th of the Gregorian calendar, with celebrations continuing throughout July and August.
The festival was introduced to Japan by Empress Kōken in 755, originating from "The Festival to Plead for Skills" (乞巧奠, Kikkōden), an alternative name for Qixi. This festival was celebrated in China and adopted by the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Heian period. Tanabata gained widespread popularity among the general public by the early Edo period when it became intertwined with various Obon traditions. Obon, which was held on the 15th of the seventh month at that time, helped Tanabata evolve into the modern festival we see today. Although Obon is now observed on August 15th on the solar calendar, Tanabata and Obon remain distinct events.
Originally, Tanabata customs varied by region, but commonly, girls would wish for better sewing and craftsmanship, while boys would wish for better handwriting by writing their wishes on strips of paper. These wishes were written with ink made from the dew collected on taro leaves, believed to hold special significance. The name Tanabata itself is linked to an ancient Shinto purification ceremony, in which a miko (Shinto shrine maiden) wove a special cloth on a loom called a tanabata (棚機) and offered it to a deity to pray for the protection of rice crops from rain and storms and for a good harvest in autumn. Over time, this ceremony merged with the Chinese Kikkōden festival to become the Tanabata we know today.
The festival's legend, inspired by the Chinese folklore story "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl," tells of Orihime (織姫, "Weaving Princess"), daughter of the Sky King, Tentei (天帝). Orihime wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Amanogawa (天の川, "Milky Way"). However, because of her hard work, she had no time to meet anyone and fall in love. Tentei arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (彦星, "Cowman"/"Cowherd Star"), who lived across the Milky Way. The two fell in love and married, but neglected their duties. In anger, Tentei separated them, allowing them to meet only once a year if Orihime completed her weaving. On their first meeting day, they found they could not cross the river, until a flock of magpies formed a bridge with their wings. If it rains on Tanabata, the river becomes too high and the magpies cannot form the bridge, forcing the lovers to wait another year. The rain on this day is poetically called "the tears of Orihime and Hikoboshi."
Through its rich history and cultural significance, Tanabata has evolved into a beloved festival that not only honors ancient traditions but also inspires modern celebrations across Japan. From writing wishes on colorful strips of paper to vibrant community events, Tanabata continues to bring people together in a shared celebration of love, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
Themes and Symbols in the Art of Tanabata
Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is celebrated across Japan with various traditions and artistic expressions that capture the festival's essence. One of the primary customs involves writing wishes on colorful strips of paper known as tanzaku (短冊), which are then hung on bamboo branches. These tanzaku often feature poetry or personal aspirations and are later set afloat on a river or burned, akin to the floating paper ships and candles of the Obon festival. This practice symbolizes the hopes and dreams of participants being carried to the heavens.
Japanese woodblock print of Tanabata festivities in Edo (Tokyo), 1852, ©Utagawa Hiroshige, via Wikipedia
A traditional Tanabata song reflects the festival’s imagery and sentiments:
Sasa no ha sara-sara
Nokiba ni yureru
Ohoshi-sama kira-kira
Kingin sunago
Goshiki no tanzaku
Watashi ga kaita
Ohoshi-sama kirakira
Sora kara miteru
Translation:
The bamboo leaves rustle,
And sway under the eaves.
The stars twinkle
Like gold and silver grains of sand.
The five-color paper strips
I have written them.
The stars twinkle,
Watching from above.
The date of Tanabata varies by region, corresponding either to July 7th of the Gregorian calendar or around early August, reflecting the lunar calendar’s influence. Notably, major Tanabata festivals are held in Sendai from August 6-8, Hiratsuka around July 7, and in Asagaya, Tokyo, before Obon in mid-August. These celebrations often feature colorful streamers, parades, and various competitions, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The ornamental ball (薬玉, Kusudama), often placed above streamers during the Tanabata festival, is a symbolic decoration inspired by the dahlia flower and first introduced in 1946. Traditionally created by sewing or gluing together multiple pyramidal units based on polyhedral geometry, the kusudama originated as a holder for incense and potpourri in ancient Japanese culture, combining the words "kusuri" (medicine) and "tama" (ball). While some origami purists debate its classification due to the use of threading or gluing, modern origami masters like Tomoko Fuse have advanced the craft, creating kusudama entirely through folding, showcasing the evolving artistic expressions of Tanabata.
Manufacture of ornaments for the feast of Tanabata, Isoda Koryusai (around 1773), Metropolitan Museum of Art, © Isoda Koryusai via Wikipedia
The Three Major Festivals of Tanabata
The Sendai Tanabata Festival: The Sendai Tanabata Festival is the most renowned Tanabata celebration in Japan, famed for its vibrant and intricate decorations called Fuki-nagashi (streamers). These elaborate paper streamers transform the streets of Sendai into a mesmerizing spectacle of color and artistry, attracting countless visitors to experience the festive atmosphere.
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival: Held in Kanagawa Prefecture, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is distinguished by its massive and elaborate decorations. These decorations often depict themes from traditional folk stories and modern pop culture, creating a captivating blend of the old and new. The festival draws millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular Tanabata events.
The Anjo Tanabata Festival: The Anjo Tanabata Festival, celebrated in Aichi Prefecture, uniquely combines the traditional Tanabata festivities with a local summer festival. A standout feature of this festival is the "Sasa-Dango" (bamboo leaf dumplings), a local sweet delicacy wrapped in bamboo leaves. This addition adds a distinct and delightful flavor to the festival, enhancing its appeal and setting it apart from other Tanabata celebrations.
In Contemporary Art
In contemporary art, the dynamic and diverse Japanese art scene encompasses a wide array of styles and mediums, with renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Yoshitomo Nara gaining international acclaim. From bold experimental movements like the Gutai group to the fusion of fine art and pop culture seen in Murakami's "Superflat" theory, Japanese contemporary art draws inspiration from classical traditions while embracing modern techniques and topics. Artists like Kohei Nawa and Chiharu Shiota continue to push boundaries with multidisciplinary approaches, blending technology with nature and exploring interconnected themes. As seen in upcoming projects like teamLab's immersive forest illumination, which pays homage to ancient Japanese practices, the creative reinterpretation of tradition remains a central theme in contemporary Japanese art, bridging the past with the present in innovative ways.
Irina Gvozdetskaya, Hide Your Tears Behind Red Lipstick, 2024
In Irina Gvozdetskaya's artwork from her series "Ira Kub Japan". Using markers on paper, Gvozdetskaya employs classic Japanese printmaking techniques to evoke a rich tapestry of emotions within her characters. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns, reminiscent of the iconic style of Yayoi Kusama and traditional Japanese posters, captivate the viewer's attention. Each stroke of the marker adds a sense of brightness and contrast, lending a dynamic and individualized flair to each figure portrayed.
Yoko Hayashi, Daruma, 2022
Yoko Hayashi's sculpture, crafted from ceramics, presents a captivating blend of traditional Japanese artistry and innovative technique. Inspired by the meticulous craft of Japanese confectionery, Hayashi developed her own method called "Tsuchibasami" or "earthen scissors," where she uniquely cuts clay with scissors. This technique is vividly showcased in her creation of a Daruma doll, where she meticulously applies glazes in a pop-art palette, one color at a time. The sculpture balances vibrant hues with thoughtful consideration of negative space, resulting in a harmonious and visually striking piece. The use of pop colors combined with traditional Japanese motifs creates a Daruma-san that is both familiar and refreshingly unique, demonstrating Hayashi's skillful integration of cultural inspiration and modern artistic expression.
Tanabata seamlessly blends ancient traditions with contemporary artistic interpretations, celebrating themes of love, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Through its rich history and diverse expressions—from traditional decorations like the kusudama to modern art influenced by the festival's motifs—Tanabata continues to inspire and connect people, showcasing the dynamic interplay between past and present in Japanese culture.
Selena Mattei