Tanabata became popular among the common people during the Edo period.

Tanabata, which has been celebrated since the Nara period, became one of the "Five Seasonal Festivals" during the Edo period. In addition to Tanabata, the five seasonal festivals are "Jinjitsu" on January 7th, "Joshi" on March 3rd, "Tango" on May 5th, and "Chōyō" on September 9th. The scene of people writing various wishes on strips of paper and decorating them on bamboo or bamboo grass is a typical summer scene, and Tanabata decorations also became popular during the Edo period.

In the early Edo period, Tanabata was an event held by the Imperial Court and feudal lords, but as temple schools became more widespread and common people were able to learn reading, writing, calligraphy, abacus, and other skills, Tanabata quickly became popular among the common people. At the time, most wishes were related to skills, but nowadays, a variety of wishes are written on tanzaku.

I hope all your wishes come true!

Did you solve the mystery of "Why is Tanabata in Hokkaido in August, not July?" What will you be wishing for this year? Domingo hopes that the wishes you have written on your tanzaku come true!

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