Tanabata

A Japanese festival based on a story from Chinese mythology, called there "The Cowherd and the Weaving Maid." Ironically a much more popular holiday in Japan than in China. Currently celebrated on July 7 rather than the lunar calendar date.

Tanabata is the Star Festival of Japan. According to legend, two stars (one star as Hiko-boshi, and the other as Ori-hime) met and fell in love but were separated by the Milky Way. They were able to meet only once a year on July 7. People write their wishes on colorful pieces of paper called "tanzaku" and tie them onto bamboo twigs, along with other decorations like origami.