Every year in July (or August in some places), Japan lights up in bright colours as the country celebrates the romantic Tanabata star festival. This traditional festival combines Japanese culture, poetry and a moving love story - and at the same time brings a touch of magic into everyday life.
The legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi
At the heart of the Tanabata festival lies an ancient Chinese legend that has been passed down in Japan for centuries:
Orihime, the weaver princess (embodied by the star Vega), and Hikoboshi, the cattle herder (the star Altair), fell madly in love. But their love made them forget their duties - and so they were separated from the gods. Only once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, are they allowed to meet across the celestial bridge, the Milky Way (Amanogawa) - when the sky is clear.
This bittersweet story is deeply engraved in the Japanese soul and continues to inspire literature, art and the festival itself to this day.
A beautiful film tells the story of two lovers and sets the perfect mood for arranging an ikebana for the star festival. In the original Japanese language with English subtitles: The story of Tanabata Worth seeing!
I was inspired by the film and the story to create these Tanabata ikebana:
The corresponding colours used in the film are naturally suitable for the depiction of Orihime and Hikoboshi. The classic traditional colours: pink for the girl and blue for the boy. In summer, you can find plenty of material in the meadow or in your favourite flower shop. Try it out and experiment a little. The colour white for the Milky Way can also be found in many different shades and plants. Whether in the white of Gypsophila, in the softly broken white tone of the wild carrot inflorescence or in daisies/chamomile with a bright yellow centre. If you imagine the stars and look up at the sky on a clear night, you can visualise the happiness of the weaver Orihime and the cowherd Hikoboshis, who are united on this night.
If you like it a little more progressive, you can of course also choose other colours and shapes. There are no limits to your creativity here. Have fun!
If you would like to read more about this festival and see more ikebana on the subject, you will find it in my slightly older blog article: Tanabata - star festival