Posts tagged “Tanabata

Japanese culture – Tanabata festival

I very much enjoyed working with years 3 and 4 last weekend on a Japanese culture workshop. The theme was the ‘Tanabata’ star festival which the children learnt about and made their own festival decorations for the class tree. They all worked really hard and produced some lovely decorations. They also got to investigate unusual artefacts and learn about the country, try on traditional costumes, lean some language and greetings and play games. A lot of fun was had by all!

Japan Matsuri

I went to the Japan Matsuri on Saturday, the weather was thankfully lovely and sunny. It was great to be immersed in the culture again, even for a brief time.

Whilst at the feastival I bought a Daruma doll (see photos) http://darumadollmuseum.blogspot.com/2006/02/papercraft.htmldoll, Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck and are one of the many ways the Japanese make a wish. The doll come with two white eyes, you mark the left pupil when you make a wish and then the right pupil when the wish comes true!

Japan Matsuri

I am really excited to have been working with Taki Togashi and the site decoration team for this year’s Japan Matsuri (Festival)  http://japanmatsuri.com/ on the 18th September 2010.

I have been helping to make streamers which will be hung in the main market area of Spitalfields. These streamers are usually used in Japan for the Summer festival ‘Tanabata’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanabata

I am really looking forward to the festival, being immersed in all things Japanese for the day… Heaven!