Jul 07, 2023
Tanabata 2023
Today’s Doodle celebrates the Japanese festival Tanabata (七夕). On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, dazzling fireworks crackle and echo throughout Japan’s skyline where two star-crossed lovers reunite. Legend has it the couple can only meet up in the Milky Way on this day each year. Today’s Doodle artwork is made from hand-cut paper and shows the lovers meeting framed by tanzaku and bamboo.
Below the dazzling night sky, millions of people flock to vibrant festivals in celebration of the beloved Japanese folktale. On the first day, many make wishes or tanzakus for the season ahead. These wishes are customarily written on bright paper streamers and hung from bamboo branches in homes or at public celebrations. Glowing floats decorated with dolls and ornaments parade through the heart of the events while street vendors line the sides. The most popular snacks include octopus-filled dough balls called takoyaki and okonomiyaki, mouth watering pancakes served with cabbage and mayonnaise.
Each Tanabata festival, people across Japan hope for clear skies. According to legend, the lovers can’t find one another in poor weather conditions.
Happy Tanabata to all who celebrate! May all your wishes come true.
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