Tanabata: Wishes Written on Bamboo in Japan

课文

1. Every July 7th, Japanese people write wishes on small strips of colored paper called tanzaku.

   每年7月7日，日本人会在名为‘短册’的彩色纸条上写下心愿。

2. They hang these wishes on bamboo branches decorated with streamers, origami cranes, and paper kimonos.

   他们将这些心愿挂在装饰着彩带、折纸仙鹤和纸制和服的竹枝上。

3. The tradition honors the legend of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who meet just once a year across the Milky Way.

   这一传统源自牛郎织女的传说：两位被银河分隔的恋人每年只能相会一次。

4. Many cities host Tanabata festivals featuring lantern processions, street food stalls, and live taiko drumming.

   许多城市举办七夕节庆典，包括灯笼游行、街头小吃摊和现场太鼓表演。

5. Schoolchildren practice calligraphy while teachers explain how ancient Chinese star myths traveled to Japan via Korea.

   小学生练习书法，老师则讲解中国古代星宿神话如何经由朝鲜传入日本。

6. Modern celebrations often include digital wish walls where visitors post messages online alongside physical ones.

   现代庆祝活动常设数字许愿墙，游客可在线发布信息，与实体许愿并存。

7. Bamboo is chosen because it grows quickly and symbolizes resilience, flexibility, and connection between earth and sky.

   选用竹子是因为它生长迅速，象征坚韧、柔韧以及天地之间的联结。

8. Unlike Valentine’s Day, Tanabata emphasizes patience, hope, and the beauty of fleeting, meaningful encounters.

   与情人节不同，七夕强调耐心、希望，以及短暂却深刻相遇之美。