Hikoboshis

Hikoboshi is a star in Japanese folklore, most notably featured in the Tanabata festival story. Along with Orihime, the Weaver Princess, Hikoboshi represents one of the two lovers separated by the Milky Way. In this traditional tale, Hikoboshi is a cowherd who was so engrossed in his work that he neglected his duties, leading to his separation from Orihime by the celestial river. They are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, provided the skies are clear.

The myth of Hikoboshi and Orihime originates from Chinese legends that were introduced to Japan. In the Chinese version, the cowherd is represented by the star Altair, and the weaver princess by the star Vega. These two stars are prominent celestial bodies visible in the summer sky. The story serves as a romantic and poignant explanation for the appearance of these stars and their perceived distance from each other.

The Tanabata festival, also known as the Star Festival, celebrates the reunion of Hikoboshi and Orihime. During this time, people write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches. The festival is a time of hope and a reminder of enduring love, as well as the beauty of the night sky. The legend of Hikoboshi continues to be a cherished part of Japanese culture, celebrated annually with festivals and traditional customs.