Steeped in legend, Tanabata (七夕/ star festival) honors the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
According to folklore, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.
With the stars aligning for this reunion, wishes are destined to come true. Therefore, on this day, Japanese write their own wishes on colorful paper (tanzaku) and hang them from bamboo branches.
JASH, in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan (CGJ) in Houston, will be giving young Houstonians the opportunity to make a wish Tanabata-style at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
Activities ranging from traditional dancing, storytelling, and craft making have been planned.
Kamishibai: Experience Tanabata 七夕 with traditional storytelling in Kids’ Hall.
Bon Odori: Embrace Japanese culture through an ancient traditional dance in Kids’ Hall.
Tanzaku: Make a wish, write it down on a wish card, and hang it on a bamboo tree in Kids’ Hall.
Origami: Master the art of Japanese paper folding by making stars in Kids’ Hall.
JASH and the CGJ need your help making sure the event goes off without a hitch! Sign up to volunteer below. Two (2) volunteers shifts are available.
TANABATA 2018
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
Volunteer registration has closed. Please come by the Children's Museum from 10AM-3PM on July 7 to take part in all the fun activities.