TANABATA by the Milky Way
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Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese celebration held on July 7th. It is based on a legend about two star-crossed lovers, Orihime (the star Vega) and Hikoboshi (the star Altair), who can only meet once a year on this day.
According to the legend, Orihime, a weaving princess, and Hikoboshi, a cowherd, fell in love and began neglected their duties over each other. As punishment, they were separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on July 7th. Their reunion depends on the skies being clear, symbolizing hope and devotion.
blessed maiden by the stream
weaving raiments from the stars
apple of her father's eye
full of charm and grace
there lived one across the bank
across where the princess weaved
steering oxen through the grass
able, strong and brave
the princess and the cowherd
crossed paths by the Milky Way
a glance, a nod, and a wink
love then swept their feet
lost within each other's gaze,
the weaver's loom stopped her spin
oxen roamed the fields alone
order came apart
their love became a poison
the king thus bade the cowherd:
"depart henceforth, and return
where you once belonged!"
the lovers held their farewells
but the parting broke their hearts
and so the Milky Way's banks
filled up with their tears
the king, therefore, must relent
to give their love one more chance
for one bright eve they shall meet
at the magpie's bridge
Copyright © Vanya Evangeline | Year Posted 2025
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