Guests tied their wishes on bamboo at East Gate (2019)
Join us for the annual Tanabata 七夕, Japanese star festival - Normally, Tanabata at the garden is a family-friendly event full of magnificent colors, fun craft making, and Tanzaku wishing station. This year, the event is going to be all virtual and still lots of fun. Let’s celebrate Tanabata all month long!
The origin of Tanabata comes from the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, star crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way. Each year on the evening of July 7th, Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to reunite for one night only. In Japan, Tanabata is celebrated by decorating bamboo branches with origami ornaments and tanzaku, poems or wishes written on small strips of paper.
This year’s virtual Tanabata will feature digital contents provided by our community partners. We look forward to celebrating Tanabata again with you in the garden!
Here are 7 ways to enjoy Tanabata from home :
1. Listen to Tanabata Story
Tanabatasama (たなばたさま) is a story based on the Japanese folktale.
Written: Yoko Imoto
Published: 金の星社
Recited: Yukari Yamano
Music: Soothing Relaxation
2. Make Tanabata Origami:
A message and tutorial from our friends from P.A.P.E.R.":
“The Puget Area Paperfolding Enthusiasts Roundtable is excited to share an origami tutorial made by one of our local folders. Harry Allen is teaching a traditional flapping action model, choose your paper and enjoy. We miss you all and look forward to teaching origami at the Seattle Japanese Garden soon.”
3. Download Fun Garden Crafts
by a Local Illustrator / Author Liz Wong
4. Watch Powerful Taiko Performances
Started in 2017, Dekoboko Taiko (凸凹太鼓) is one of the newest taiko (Japanese drumming) groups in the Pacific Northwest consisting of alumni from Taiko Kai at the University of Washington.
They were scheduled to perform at this year’s Tanabata. We look forward to welcoming them at the garden!
Photo: Dekoboko Taiko
DO-YA!! (Performed November 2019)
Original by Shogo Yoshii and Yawatahama Miyabi-gumi "DO-YA!!" is the "kakegoe" or shout of encouragement from the port town of Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture.
Tokoharu（常春) (Performed November 2019)
or "Everlasting Spring" - Written by Lamond Le (2019) Inspired by spring and its new beginnings, Lamond wrote this piece to commemorate his marriage to Maggie.
5. Learn About Stars Tonight:
The Seattle Astronomical Society (SAS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, created and sustained by members who share a common interest in the observational, educational, and social aspects of amateur astronomy. Established in 1948, the SAS includes a diverse collection of people of all ages, occupations, educational levels, and astronomy experience, ranging from beginners to professional astronomers.
6. Meet Our Bamboo Expert Friends:
American Bamboo Company is the premier bamboo specialist founded in 2010 in Seattle, Washington. They are passionate about educating the public about the benefits of working with the bamboo plant and growing bamboo plants.
Photo: St. Larry Pierre