Tanabata - A Japanese Legend About Love and Stars

Brief Description: The legend of Tanabata tells the story of the shepherd Hikoboshi and the weaver Orihime, whose love separated them, but the stars allowed the lovers to meet once a year. It is a story about the power of feelings and the magic of the starry sky.

In ancient times, high in the heavens lived a beautiful girl named Orihime, the daughter of the Heavenly Ruler. She wove magical garments from clouds that illuminated the sky with bright colors. Her work was arduous, but she carried out her duties with love, knowing that she brought joy to the heavens.

One day, Orihime looked down to the earth and saw a young shepherd named Hikoboshi. His simplicity and care for his animals touched her heart. She fell in love at first sight and wanted to meet him. The Heavenly Ruler, seeing how his daughter yearned, agreed to grant her wish.

When Orihime and Hikoboshi met, they instantly fell in love with each other. Their love was so strong that they forgot about everything else. Orihime stopped weaving the heavenly garments, and the sky darkened, while Hikoboshi neglected his flock. This angered the Heavenly Ruler.

— You have forgotten your duties, — he said. — I must separate you to restore order.

With these words, he sent Hikoboshi to one side of the Celestial River and Orihime to the other. Between them lay a vast river of stars, known to people on earth as the Milky Way.

The girl cried bitterly, and her tears became stars. The Heavenly Ruler could not ignore her suffering and said:

— I will allow you to meet once a year, on the seventh night of the seventh month, if you faithfully fulfill your duties.

Since then, every year on this night, celestial birds build a bridge from their wings across the starry river to connect the lovers. On earth, this day became the Tanabata Festival—the Star Festival. People decorate the streets, write their wishes on colorful paper strips, and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping that the stars will fulfill their dreams.

Thus, the legend of Tanabata reminds us that love, loyalty, and effort can overcome any obstacle, even if a whole starry river lies between you.

Moral of the Legend:

This story teaches that true love requires patience, effort, and loyalty. Even the greatest distances can be overcome if you maintain the sincerity of your feelings.

Questions for Discussion:

• Why were Orihime and Hikoboshi separated?
• What role does the Celestial River play in their story?
• How do people on earth celebrate Tanabata to honor this legend?