Every July 7th, the night sky tells a love story written in the stars.

As someone who’s always been drawn to stargazing, Tanabata, Japan’s Star Festival, feels like a celebration made just for dreamers. It’s a midsummer tradition rooted in an ancient legend about two celestial lovers—Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair)—who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year, if the skies are clear.

A Tale Written in the Stars

The story of Tanabata dates back to the Heian period and was inspired by a Chinese folktale. Orihime, a weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, a cowherd, fell deeply in love. But their devotion distracted them from their duties, and the gods separated them—placing them on opposite sides of the Milky Way. Their reunion, permitted only on the seventh day of the seventh month, became a symbol of enduring love and hope.

The Summer Triangle

If you step outside on a warm July evening and look up, you might spot the Summer Triangle—a trio of bright stars that includes Vega in the Lyra constellation and Altair in Aquila, joined by Deneb in Cygnus. These stars form a striking triangle that stretches across the Milky Way, and once you see it, it’s hard to forget. Knowing that Vega and Altair represent Orihime and Hikoboshi makes the view feel even more poetic.

A Festival of Wishes

Growing up, Tanabata was a time of quiet joy and creativity. We’d write our wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, surrounded by handmade decorations—origami stars, paper lanterns, and flowing streamers. Each wish felt like a tiny message to the universe, carried by the summer breeze.

In some regions of Japan, Tanabata is celebrated in August, following the lunar calendar. But no matter the date, the heart of the festival remains the same: a celebration of love, longing, and the beauty of looking up.

A Moment to Pause

In a world that moves quickly, Tanabata invites us to slow down. To gaze at the stars. To reflect on what we hope for. And to remember that even across vast distances—whether between stars or people—connection is possible.

So this July 7th, take a moment to look up. Make a wish. And let the stars remind you that some stories are too beautiful to forget. 🌌