Tanabata festival 'helps wishes come true' at the Japanese Garden

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A centuries-old festival carrying the opportunity to wish on the stars was celebrated by many at the Portland Japanese Garden on Sunday.

Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, has been observed in Japan each summer since the 8th century.

According to the Japanese Garden, people prepare for the festival by writing wishes on strips of paper called "tanzaku" and hanging them up in public spaces.

Guests attending the festival at the Portland garden were invited to write their own wishes on the colorful paper strips, then hang them up along a bamboo walkway.

"The festival is all about wishes because it's about two star crossed lovers who only get to meet one night of the year on July 7 and they don't get to meet if it rains," said Kelsey Cleveland, the Cultural Programs Manager with the Japanese Garden. "So people make wishes for the year, wishing for harmony and peace, wishing for good grades, wishing for the health of their family. So that's the main thing that happens in Japan."

The festival also featured music from Takohachi, a local traditional drum and dance ensemble, as well as a storytelling session.