July 7 (7/7) marks the Tanabata Festival that is celebrated in various parts of Japan. It is based opon a romantic tale of two star-crossed lovers who can only meet once a year - as such it is a day for Japanese people to make wishes. For more information see the following two links:
Tanabata, from the Festivals of Shinto: http://www.psychicsophia.com/aion/chap7.html
Orihime, Kengyuu, and Tanabata - Adapting Chinese Lore to Native Beliefs and Purposes: http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/orihime.htm
These photos were taken at a famous version of the festival at the Hatamono Shrine in Katano-shi, Osaka. Despite the threat of rain, a colorful and wonderful time was had by all.
Link to more Tanabata @ Hatamono photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/visual.gonthros/Tanabata77?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Link to Hatamono Shrine web page (in Japanese): http://murata35.chicappa.jp/meisho/hatamono/index.htm
Absolutely beautiful pictures! I would love to go to this matsuri.
ReplyDelete