I need Some Help

[Touya]

I'm not sure where to put this actually but there is a Japanese Tradition I'm trying to identify. And I'm not sure if it's variations of the same tradition or two different traditions.

The first is where they write on a piece of paper (that to me looks like a book marker) and then hangs it on a tree.

The second is where the write on a ribbon of paper and tie it around a tree branch.

I believe in both instances they're writing a wish, sort of like we do here on new years, but wasn't sure.

If some one could help me out with this I'd appreciate it.

[JTM]

I think you are thinking about Tanabata (七夕-たなばた). Those strips of paper where you write your wishes are called tanzaku (短冊 - たんざく).

You can read more about the festival and customs here:

Tanabata - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tanabata - Calendar 07 - Explore Japan - Kids Web Japan - Web Japan

[masaegu]

Originally Posted by Touya

I'm not sure where to put this actually but there is a Japanese Tradition I'm trying to identify. And I'm not sure if it's variations of the same tradition or two different traditions.

The first is where they write on a piece of paper (that to me looks like a book marker) and then hangs it on a tree.

The second is where the write on a ribbon of paper and tie it around a tree branch.

I believe in both instances they're writing a wish, sort of like we do here on new years, but wasn't sure.

Two completely different customs.

First one is Tanabata. Refer to JTM's post above. You write what you wish would happen. Tanabata is non-religious.

Second one is Omikuji. You write nothing. You pay and draw a strip of paper telling your fortune at a Shinto shirine or Buddhist temple. After reading it, you fold the strip up and tie it around a tree branch.

Omikuji pic:

[dogsbody70]

now thats really interesting question And ANswer. Thanks for that.