During Tanabata in Hokkaido, there is a custom called "Rosoku Morai" where children go from house to house singing "Rōsoku da-se, da-se yo" (Give us candles, give us candles!) to receive sweets. Although it has become a rare sight these days, let's explore what this unique tradition is all about.

Children Sing "Give Us Candles, Give Us Candles!" on Tanabata

Tanabata in Hokkaido is celebrated on two different dates: July 7th in some regions, following the old lunar calendar, and August 7th in others, based on the new solar calendar. In the southern Donan region, particularly Hakodate, Tanabata falls on July 7th. On this day, children in Hakodate dress up in yukata, carry paper lanterns, and sing songs as they receive sweets from adults. The song they sing is the slightly unusual "Rōsoku da-se, da-se yo." It serves a similar purpose to "Trick or Treat!" on Halloween.

This custom was once practiced throughout Hokkaido, and the tradition itself is called "Rosoku Morai" or sometimes "Rosoku Dase." Interestingly, the distinctive songs sung by the children varied by region.

In the central (Do-o), northern (Dohoku), and eastern (Doto) parts of Hokkaido, a popular version goes, "Rōsoku da-se, da-se yo. Dasanaito katchakuzo. Omake ni kamitsukuzo. Kamitsuitara hanasanzo." (Give us candles, give us candles! If you don't, I'll scratch you! And for good measure, I'll bite you! And once I bite, I won't let go!). Many people might have heard this one before. In the southern Donan region, around Hakodate, they sing something like, "Take ni tanzaku, Tanabata matsuri. Ooi ni iwaou, rōsoku ippon choudai na." (Tanzaku strips on bamboo, it's the Tanabata festival. Let's celebrate big, please give us one candle!).

There are actually too many variations to list here, but the gist is, "Give us candles! If you don't, we'll bite you or something!"

Once Practiced Across Hokkaido, But Gradually Fading...

According to Masako Odashima's book, "Hokkaido Nenchu Gyoji" (Annual Events in Hokkaido), "Rosoku Morai" was practiced in various regions across the island as of 1996. However, as the years went by, the number of areas observing the custom gradually decreased, and today it is mostly known as a tradition that continues mainly in Hakodate.

But why do the children ask for candles in the first place? The search for the reason leads us to its roots in Hakodate.