The Tanabata Festival was held today at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park!
This always fun festival included traditional Japanese kimonos, art, crafts, kids games, yummy food, the making of kokedama (Japanese moss balls) and other family activities.
Most importantly, visitors to the festival had the opportunity to write their own special wish!
Tanabata has its origin in a story about the Japanese deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, who shine in the heavens as stars. The Milky Way separates the two lovers who can only meet once a year. Tanabata is that day.
According to the Japanese Friendship Garden’s website here, “A common practice during Tanabata is to decorate the nanatsu kazari, or seven decorations…” Different types of ornaments are hung from bamboo trees to bring luck, skill, health or success.
I noticed many messages had already been hung. The hands of many at the festival wished for happiness in life!
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