Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is one of the Three
Great Summer Festivals in Tohoku and draws a couple
of
million people to the event.
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (仙台七
夕
祭) also known as
the Star Festival is annually held from August 6-8.
The
festival is supposed to be held on the seventh day of
the
seventh month, but the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
goes
off the lunar calendar, which is a month later. Sendai
Tanabata Matsuri will have colorful streamers and
paper
decorations all over the area. Depending on the
shape
will determine what luck you are looking for from
purses
to trash bags. Also there are tanzaku, paper strips,
for
people to write their wishes on and hang it on
bamboo
wishing trees. Legend says that Orihime wove
clothes
her father, Tentei, adored. Orihime was sad because
she did not give her a chance to fall in love. Tentei
concerned for his daughter arranged for her to meet
Hikoboshi the cow herder. It was love at first sight
and
soon they were married, but Orihime stopped
weaving.
Hikoboshi’s herd strayed all over heaven and that
was it
for Tentei. He separated the two by using
Amanogawa
and forbade them to meet. Orihime devastated
begged
her father to let them meet and Tentei moved allowed
them to see each other once a year on the 7th day of
the 7th month. However, there was no bridge to cross
the river for Orihime to use. Her cries brought
magpies
to her aid and they promised to make a bridge with
their
wings.
Please see below for tours
that include Sendai Tanabata Festival:
