Today’s Doodle celebrates Tanabata (七夕), an annual Japanese tradition that commemorates the fabled reunion of two celestial lovers kept apart by the vast expanse of the Milky Way.
First observed in Japan’s imperial courts as early as the 8th century, Tanabata is derived from a Chinese myth which dates back several millennia. The story tells of a troubled romance between a princess and weaver named Orihime and a cow herder named Hikoboshi, depicted in the Doodle artwork. Once wed, the couple began to shirk the duties of their work, and as punishment they were cast away to opposite sides of the galaxy by the bride’s father. He allowed them to meet just once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Look up today and hope for clear skies! According to the legend, the two star-crossed lovers can only meet if the weather is fair.
Happy Tanabata!
Early concepts of the Doodle
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