Woodlands Children Museum to Celebrate Tanabata July 7

The Woodlands, TX -- Tanabata, or the Star Festival, will be celebrated at The Woodlands Children Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr., on Thursday, July 7.

The annual festival dates back to ancient Japan and traces its origins to a legend called "The Cowherd and the Weaver," which describes the orbits of the stars Altair and Vega.

Altair and Vega were originally two lovers, a cowherd and a weaver respectively, who fell in love and neglected their duties. Out of anger, the weaver's father separated the two lovers. The weaver became despondent and begged her father to let meet the cowherd again.

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Her father acquiesced and told her she could meet her love on the seventh day of the seventh vided she finished her weaving. As a traditional way to honor the festival, children and adult write their wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them -- along with ornaments -- on bamboo branches around their homes.

The museum's celebration will begin at 10 a.m. and will last until 5 p.m. At 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. the Risa Tallent performance troupe will perform Japanese dances. There will also be special at activities for the occasion.

For more information: call 281-465-0955