TANABATA BBQ
The legend of Tanabata is a romantic one. Dear Yoshiko, my student who teaches me more than I ever taught her, has come through again. In her latest journal she explained Tanabata.
On their home on the Milky Way, Orihime's father felt sympathy for his daughter who put all her time into her work, and left none for love and so he arranged a marriage for Orihime. Orihime and her new husband, Kingyu (?), fell madly in love and both forgot their work entirely. After some time this angered Orihime's father, who needed Orihime's fine weavings, and he separated the couple, forcing them to opposite shores of the expansive Milky Way. He promised that with hard work they would earn time together, which would be granted on July 7th.
Orihime and Kingyu worked diligently with the hope of being together again, but when July 7th finally arrived they found that the rains had widened the Milky Way so much that they could not cross it and be together. The lovers cried for each other on their respective shores.
On their home on the Milky Way, Orihime's father felt sympathy for his daughter who put all her time into her work, and left none for love and so he arranged a marriage for Orihime. Orihime and her new husband, Kingyu (?), fell madly in love and both forgot their work entirely. After some time this angered Orihime's father, who needed Orihime's fine weavings, and he separated the couple, forcing them to opposite shores of the expansive Milky Way. He promised that with hard work they would earn time together, which would be granted on July 7th.
Orihime and Kingyu worked diligently with the hope of being together again, but when July 7th finally arrived they found that the rains had widened the Milky Way so much that they could not cross it and be together. The lovers cried for each other on their respective shores.
Suddenly a flock of passing birds saw the weeping lovers and felt pity for them. They rallied together and by spreading their wings wide, made a bridge on which the lovers could walk to each other. Finally the lovers were together and all their wishes came true.
In celebration of this legend Japanese people place their wishes on a bamboo wishing tree. The stars representing Orihime and Kingyu are said to grant these wishes when they come together every July 7th.
Because we need another reason to celebrate, Nori and Dan and family put on a huge Tanabata BBQ at the their store every year. Last year's event was the first time I met many people I hold very dear now, so this year was full of anniversaries, and good times.
OMG! Great slideshow-freaking hilarious...thanks for making me pee my pants laughing in the internet cafe! hehe