Translation guide
Tanabata is a Japanese star festival celebrating the annual meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. For an English speaker, it is usually referred to by its Japanese name, but understanding its cultural context and related expressions is helpful.
Referring to the Tanabata festival, its date, or events
The standard Japanese name for the festival. Use this in most contexts.
Tanabata is on July 7th.
I went to a Tanabata festival.
Specifically refers to a Tanabata festival event. Use when talking about attending a festival.
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is famous.
Talking about writing wishes on tanzaku and hanging them on bamboo
Referring to the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi
Tanabata is celebrated on July 7th in most places, but some areas follow the lunar calendar and hold it in August. If you're attending a specific event, check the date.
Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way.