Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is one of Japan’s most beloved summer celebrations. These vibrant festivals celebrate the legendary love story between the stars Altair (Hikoboshi), the cow-herder, and Vega (Orihime), also known as the weaver. According to the myth, the two lovers are separated by the Milky Way and are only allowed to meet once a year on Tanabata, when the stars align on July 7th. Because the Gregorian calendar is about a month ahead of the traditional Japanese calendar, some Tanabata festivals are held in August to observe the tradition and honor this love story. This magical celebration is not only about the story, but also about coming together with family, enjoying traditional festival foods, and honoring time-honored customs. Let’s take a closer look at the traditions surrounding Tanabata, the foods that are celebrated during this summer festival, and how you can join in the fun.
Tanabata: A Festival of Wishes and Stars
Tanabata is steeped in beautiful tradition and is a time for people to make wishes. In celebration of the stars reuniting, families and friends write their wishes on colorful paper strips, known as tanzaku, and hang them on bamboo branches. The branches are often decorated with ribbons and other ornaments to symbolize the stars. In some areas of Japan, large Tanabata festivals feature impressive displays of these decorated bamboo trees, and people gather to celebrate, share their wishes, and marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
While Tanabata is primarily known for its connection to the stars, it also has deep cultural ties to family gatherings, where the focus shifts to making memories over food. Just like many Japanese festivals, Tanabata brings people together for shared experiences and joy.
Tanabata Festival Foods
As with any festival, Tanabata is a celebration not only of cultural traditions but also of food. Some summer Japanese festival foods are associated with Tanabata, making this the perfect time to enjoy delicious meals with loved ones. Let’s look at some of the most popular dishes enjoyed during the Star Festival.
- Somen: A Light, Refreshing Summer Dish
One of the most iconic foods of Tanabata is somen, a thin, white noodle typically eaten cold. Perfect for the hot summer weather, somen is often served with a dipping sauce (tsuyu) made of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, providing a refreshing and satisfying meal. Eating cold noodles during Tanabata is not only a way to cool off but also a symbolic dish, representing the connection between the two lovers, Altair and Vega, as they come together once a year.
- Chirashi Sushi: A Vibrant Festival Dish
Chirashi sushi (scattered sushi) is another popular dish consumed during Tanabata. This dish consists of vinegared rice topped with a colorful assortment of ingredients such as sashimi, vegetables, and pickles. It’s a great way to celebrate the festival with family, as each person can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings. The variety of ingredients in chirashi sushi mirrors the vibrant colors and wishes associated with the festival, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish that brings everyone together. Want to try making this at home? Just use your Zojirushi rice cooker and follow this recipe!
- Tanabata Jelly: A Festive Treat for Star Festival
Tanabata Jelly is a colorful, refreshing dessert inspired by the Star Festival’s celestial theme. Made with layered fruit jelly and cut-out shapes that resemble stars, it’s a fun way to celebrate the season—especially with kids! This delicious dessert can be easily prepared at home using Zojirushi’s Water Boiler & Warmer, gelatin, and fresh fruit by following this recipe. Serve it chilled for a magical, light dessert that captures the festive spirit of Tanabata.
Stay Hydrated This Tanabata with Zojirushi
With all the excitement of summer and celebrations like Tanabata, it’s easy to forget about staying hydrated! Whether you’re busy preparing the perfect somen or enjoying chirashi sushi with your family, keeping your drinks at the right temperature is just as important.
Zojirushi’s vacuum insulated water bottle that keeps water cold, like the Stainless Mug with Lid Handle SU-DA80/100, are perfect for keeping water cold throughout your Tanabata celebration. With their superior temperature retention technology, these bottles ensure that your beverages stay refreshingly cold for hours, so you can stay hydrated as you enjoy the festival. Whether you’re relaxing at home, participating in a Tanabata festival, or simply running errands, our water bottle is the perfect companion to keep your beverage cold during the summer heat.
Our Stainless Mugs are a popular choice for keeping drinks cold and are also leakproof, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. With its sleek design and practical features, it’s a great gift for Tanabata or a thoughtful addition to your own home. Available in multiple sizes and colors, it’s perfect for every member of the family.
Celebrate Tanabata with Zojirushi
Tanabata is a beautiful celebration of tradition, family, and the stars above. Whether you’re enjoying somen with loved ones, preparing chirashi sushi, or treating yourself to a refreshing Tanabata jelly, this summer festival offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious Japanese festival foods while honoring an age-old tradition. And with Zojirushi’s innovative products, you can easily prepare and enjoy these festive meals right at home, ensuring that your Tanabata celebration is both memorable and convenient.
Explore our collection of vacuum bottles and food jars to keep your drinks and meals at the perfect temperature this Tanabata. Discover the joy of cooking with family and make this year’s Tanabata celebration even more special. Don’t forget to share your Tanabata celebrations with us tagging @ZojirushiAmerica on Instagram and Facebook and using #Zojirushi #ZoFan!
Leave a Reply