When writing wishes on Tanabata tanzaku (paper strips), have you ever had the experience of wondering “What should I write?” Many people end up writing similar content every year or don’t know how to teach their children.
Actually, Tanabata tanzaku have color meanings, and there are tips for writing wishes effectively. This article provides detailed explanations from effective methods for writing Tanabata tanzaku wishes to example sentences by age group and color meanings. By the time you finish reading, you’ll surely have wonderful wish ideas.
How to Write Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes
When writing wishes on Tanabata tanzaku, do you ever wonder “How should I write this?” Actually, there are several tips for effective writing.
Here, we’ll explain in detail from basic writing methods for Tanabata tanzaku to techniques that make wishes more likely to come true.
The Meaning and Origin of Writing Wishes on Tanabata Tanzaku
The custom of writing wishes on Tanabata tanzaku originates from the Chinese event called “Qiqiaojie” (Festival to Plead for Skills). Tanabata, famous for the story of Weaver Girl and Cowherd, was originally a women’s festival wishing for improvement in sewing and handicrafts.
After being introduced to Japan during the Heian period, it became popular among common people during the Edo period. Today, it has established itself as a culture where people write not only wishes for romantic fulfillment but also for academic improvement, health, work success, and all kinds of wishes on tanzaku and decorate them on bamboo.
Writing wishes on tanzaku has the meaning of entrusting one’s wishes to Weaver Girl and Cowherd, who cross the Milky Way to meet only once a year. Because of this beautiful story, Tanabata wishes hold special meaning.
Basic Methods for Writing Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes
When writing wishes on Tanabata tanzaku, first write your name. This is to clarify who the wish belongs to. For children, writing their age together makes it more endearing.
Write the wish in the center of the tanzaku in an easily readable size. Vertical writing is traditional, but horizontal writing is also fine. Adjust the number of characters according to the tanzaku size, and the basic rule is to write one wish per tanzaku.
For writing instruments, using ink or brush pens creates a traditional and beautiful finish. However, for children, pencils or markers are also acceptable. What’s important is to write carefully with heart.
Tips for Writing Wishes That Are More Likely to Come True
Here are tips for writing wishes that are more likely to come true.
The Past Tense Writing Technique
As a tip for making wishes come true, there’s a method of “writing in past tense.” This expresses “a state where the wish has already come true,” which is said to have an effect on the subconscious mind.
For example, instead of “May I score 100 points on the test,” write “I scored 100 points on the test. Thank you.” Instead of “May I get married,” write “I was able to marry a wonderful person.”
This writing method allows you to perceive wishes not as mere hopes but as achievable goals. Psychologically, it’s considered to enhance motivation toward goal achievement.
Why Include Words of Gratitude
By adding words of gratitude to wishes, you can approach them with a more positive attitude. Express gratitude for your current situation with phrases like “Thank you always” or “I’m grateful that my family is healthy.”
Having a grateful heart is said to help you notice the happiness you already have and attract an even better future. Also, having words of gratitude makes wishes appear more humble and beautiful.
When teaching children, conveying that “having a grateful heart for what we already have is important” can cultivate a rich spirit.
Points for Using Positive Expressions
When writing wishes, avoid negative expressions and choose positive words. Instead of “May I not get sick,” write “May I always be healthy.” Instead of “May I not fail,” write “May I succeed.”
Using positive expressions makes it easier to envision a bright future and motivates you to work toward it. Brain science research shows that positive words have the effect of attracting good results.
Also, rather than strong expressions like “absolutely” or “definitely,” softer expressions like “may I be able to…” or “I want to become…” have a more beautiful, wish-like quality.
Tanabata Tanzaku Wish Examples and Ideas by Category
We often hear people say “I don’t know what kind of wish to write.” For such people, we’ll introduce many specific examples by age group and purpose. You’ll surely find the perfect wish for you.
Children’s Wish Examples (by Age Group)
Ages 3-5 (Kindergarten/Preschool)
- “May I play nicely with my friends”
- “May I always be with mommy”
- “May I stay healthy and energetic”
- “May I eat without being picky”
Ages 6-8 (Elementary School Lower Grades)
- “I want to become good at writing letters”
- “May I be able to do back flips”
- “I will work hard to help at home”
- “May I become a kind child”
Ages 9-12 (Elementary School Upper Grades)
- “May I win a gold medal in calligraphy”
- “May I become a regular player in soccer”
- “May my family always be happy”
- “I will work hard toward my future dreams”
It’s important to express wishes in words that children can understand according to their age. Don’t force difficult words; express children’s feelings honestly.
Adult Wish Examples
Work/Career
- “May my job search succeed and I can work at my ideal workplace”
- “May I get promoted this year”
- “May I learn new skills and grow”
Love/Marriage
- “May I meet a wonderful partner”
- “May my relationship with my lover deepen”
- “May I get married by next year”
Health/Beauty
- “May I continue a healthy lifestyle”
- “May my diet succeed”
- “May I learn to manage stress well”
Hobbies/Self-realization
- “May I become able to speak English”
- “May I treasure my hobby time”
- “May I have the courage to challenge new things”
The key for adult wishes is to make them specific and achievable.
Family/Parent-Child Wish Ideas
When thinking of wishes with the whole family, content wishing for each other’s happiness is recommended.
Family Health
- “May the whole family have a healthy and smiling year”
- “May grandpa and grandma always stay healthy”
Family Bonds
- “May our family trip become wonderful memories”
- “May we have more time together as a family”
Each Other’s Growth
- “May daddy’s work go well”
- “May mommy always be smiling”
- “May [child’s name] grow up healthy”
Thinking of wishes together as parent and child deepens family bonds and nurtures feelings of caring for each other.
Popular Category Wish Examples Collection
Academic/Study Related
- “May I pass my first-choice school”
- “May I become good at math, which I’m weak at”
- “May my concentration improve”
Health/Sports Related
- “May I complete the marathon race”
- “May I become a regular member in club activities”
- “May I stay injury-free”
Love/Relationships
- “May I have mutual feelings with someone I like”
- “May I always get along well with my friends”
- “May I become good at communicating with people”
Work/Money
- “May I get promoted and increase my salary”
- “May my side business take off”
- “May I become good at managing money”
While referring to popular categories, try to find wishes that are uniquely yours.
Understanding Tanabata Tanzaku Colors and Their Meanings for Writing Wishes
Did you know that Tanabata tanzaku actually have specific colors? Each color has deep meaning, and choosing colors according to the content of your wishes is said to make your tanzaku more effective. Let’s understand color meanings and choose the perfect tanzaku for your wishes.
Five-Color Tanzaku Colors and Their Meanings
Tanabata tanzaku actually have specific colors. These are five colors based on Chinese “Five Elements Theory,” each with its own meaning.
Red (Crimson): Represents the fire element, symbolizing passion, love, and gratitude to family. Recommended for wishes about romantic fulfillment, family health, and relationships.
Blue (Blue): Represents the wood element, symbolizing growth, learning, and self-improvement. Suitable for wishes about academic achievement, skill improvement, and personal development.
Yellow (Yellow): Represents the earth element, symbolizing trust, relationships, and financial luck. Choose this for wishes about friendship, trust relationships, and economic stability.
White (White): Represents the metal element, symbolizing regularity and following rules. Recommended for wishes about living a regular life and fulfilling duties.
Black (Purple): Represents the water element, symbolizing academic learning and knowledge improvement. Suitable for wishes about studying, obtaining qualifications, and deepening knowledge.
In modern times, purple is often used instead of black, creating a more gorgeous impression.
How to Choose Colors Based on Wish Categories
Choosing tanzaku colors according to the content of your wishes is considered more effective.
Love/Marriage Related: Red tanzaku is recommended. As a color expressing passionate love and family love, it’s perfect for romantic fulfillment and marriage prayers.
Academic/Study Related: Choose blue or black (purple) tanzaku. Blue representing growth and learning, and black (purple) representing knowledge improvement are suitable for academic-related wishes.
Health/Family Related: Red tanzaku is good. As a color expressing gratitude and love for family, it’s suitable for health prayers and wishing for family happiness.
Work/Financial Luck Related: Yellow tanzaku is recommended. As a color representing trust relationships and financial luck, it’s effective for wishing for work success and economic stability.
Relationships: Choose yellow tanzaku. As a color representing trust relationships and bonds with people, it’s optimal for wishing for friendship and good relationships.
Traditional Tanabata Tanzaku Trivia
Tanabata tanzaku originally began with writing waka poems on paper mulberry leaves. Paper mulberry leaves were considered sacred plants and were suitable for writing.
From the Edo period, paper tanzaku like we use today began to be used. Common people at that time wrote on tanzaku wishing for improvement in calligraphy and sewing.
Also, decorating tanzaku on bamboo is because bamboo has been cherished as a sacred plant since ancient times. Bamboo is an evergreen plant that maintains its green color even in winter, symbolizing life force.
Even today, we can enjoy writing our own unique wishes while treasuring these traditions.
Writing Tips That Make Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes More Likely to Come True
Don’t you think “I hope the wishes I wrote will come true”? Actually, by slightly adjusting how you write wishes, the possibility of realization increases dramatically. Here are psychologically proven effective tips for making wishes come true.
How to Make Wishes Specific
To make wishes more likely to come true, it’s important to write them as specifically as possible. Rather than vague wishes like “I want to be happy,” specific goals like “I want to get XX certification, change jobs, and increase my annual income by 1 million yen” are easier to realize.
The tip for writing specifically is to be conscious of the “5W1H.” Consider when (When), where (Where), who (Who), what (What), why (Why), and how (How).
For example, instead of “I want to become good at studying,” writing “I want to pass XX High School, my first choice, in the March high school entrance exam next year” becomes a clearer goal.
How to Think About Wishes You Can Realize Yourself
To make wishes more likely to come true, it’s important to choose things that are achievable through your own efforts. Avoid wishes that try to control other people’s feelings or rely only on luck.
Good examples include: instead of “I want XX person to like me,” write “I want to improve myself and become an attractive person.” Instead of “May I win the lottery,” write “I want to continue saving and budgeting to reach my target amount.”
By making wishes achievable through your own actions and efforts, it becomes easier to take concrete actions toward your goals.
Crafting Wishes That Lead to Action
After writing wishes, also think about action plans to realize them. When writing on tanzaku, adding expressions like “I will work hard at XX to achieve…” is effective.
For example, “I want to become able to speak English. For that, I will study English for 30 minutes every day,” or “I want to succeed in dieting. I will continue walking every day.”
By clarifying action plans, wishes change from mere hopes to concrete goals. Also, every time you look at the tanzaku, you can remember your determination.
Common Concerns About Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes and Solutions
During Tanabata season, many people worry about “What should I write this year?” Here are specific solutions to these common concerns. Reading this will surely help you decide on wishes smoothly.
Hints for When “I Don’t Know What to Write”
When you can’t think of wishes, first try organizing your current situation. Write down things you’re currently troubled by, things you want to improve, or things you’d like to try, and wishes will naturally emerge.
Imagining yourself one year from now is also effective. Thinking about “what kind of person I want to be one year from now” helps you find wishes to work toward that goal.
Thinking together with family or friends is also recommended. Hearing other people’s opinions might help you discover wishes you never noticed yourself.
When Wishes Become Repetitive Every Year
If you find yourself writing similar wishes every year, try changing your perspective. For example, if you always write “May I stay healthy,” try something more specific like “I want to try a new sport and build my stamina.”
Also, reflecting on particularly memorable events or experiences from this year and thinking of wishes based on them is good. You can get hints from new hobbies or interests you developed, people you met, or things you learned.
Furthermore, it’s recommended to differentiate between short-term and long-term wishes. Try thinking separately about things you want to achieve this year and goals you want to accomplish over several years.
Points for When Parents Write on Behalf of Children
When writing on behalf of small children, first listen carefully to the child’s feelings before writing. It’s important to value the child’s own wishes, not the parent’s hopes.
Using the child’s own words makes the wishes more natural. Don’t use difficult kanji; write in characters the child can read.
Also, when children become able to write themselves, it’s recommended to let them write as much as possible. Even if the handwriting is poor, writing themselves creates more attachment and sense of achievement.
How to Enjoy Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes with Family and Adults
Tanabata is not just an event for children. It’s a celebration that can be enjoyed together with parent and child, or even among adults. Here we introduce ideas for enjoying Tanabata with family and friends.
Tips for Thinking of Wishes Together as Parent and Child
When thinking of wishes together as parent and child, first listen to each family member’s wishes. Learning about each other’s dreams and goals deepens family bonds.
About children’s wishes, asking questions like “Why do you think that?” or “How do you think it could come true?” can deepen children’s thinking. Also, by talking about your own wishes as a parent, you can convey that adults also live with dreams.
Finding wishes that the whole family can support together is also wonderful. Having goals you can work on together, like “We want to go on a family trip” or “We want to challenge new things together as a family,” would be enjoyable.
Ideas for Adults to Enjoy Tanabata Tanzaku Together
If you want to enjoy Tanabata among adults, it’s recommended to present each other’s wishes. Write tanzaku together with friends or workplace colleagues and support each other.
Also, holding a “reflection meeting” to look back at tanzaku after one year and check how many came true is an interesting idea. You can celebrate realized wishes and continue supporting those still in progress.
For couples, writing wishes about your relationship or your future together is also good. Having common goals can deepen your bond even further.
Enjoying Tanabata Stories and Origins with Children
When enjoying Tanabata with children, read them the story of Weaver Girl and Cowherd. Knowing the story helps them understand the meaning of Tanabata more deeply.
Also, researching constellations or actually looking up at the night sky to search for the Milky Way provides good experiences. Scientific interest can also be fostered.
When talking about the origins of Tanabata, also convey the wonder of Japanese traditional culture. A heart that treasures beautiful customs that have continued since ancient times will be nurtured.
SNS-Worthy Tanabata Tanzaku Wish Ideas
Recently, more people are sharing their Tanabata celebrations on social media. If you’re going to do it anyway, you want to create wonderful posts that get lots of “likes,” right? Here we introduce SNS-worthy ways to enjoy Tanabata.
Photogenic Ways to Decorate Tanzaku
If you’re going to post about Tanabata on social media, put effort into how you decorate your tanzaku. The key is to use colorful tanzaku and decorate them on bamboo in a well-balanced way.
Having blue sky or green plants in the background creates beautiful contrast that looks great. Also, shooting in natural light produces colorful and warm photos.
Using other Tanabata decorations along with tanzaku creates a more gorgeous impression. Try combining star-shaped decorations and colorful streamers.
How to Write Original Wishes
For social media posts, write original wishes that make readers want to hit “like.” Humorous or heartwarming wishes are recommended.
For example, “I want to become an adult who can wake up early and go to bed early this year,” “May my cat become more affectionate,” or “I want to develop a constitution that doesn’t gain weight no matter how much delicious food I eat” – these relatable contents are popular.
However, avoid content that’s too private or might make others uncomfortable. Aim for content that many people can relate to.
Social Media Post Examples and Hashtag Usage Tips
When posting about Tanabata on social media, use appropriate hashtags to reach many people.
Basic Hashtags #tanabata #tanzaku #wishes #tanabatafestival #starfestival
Content-specific Hashtags #familytanabata #familytime #childrenwishes #adultwishes #tanabatadecoration
Seasonal/Trend Tags #summermemories #seasonalevents #japaneseculture #traditionalevents
In your post text, include not just the content of wishes but also your thoughts on why you chose those wishes, which will help more people relate to your post.
Summary of How to Write Tanabata Tanzaku Wishes
The key points for making Tanabata tanzaku wishes come true are as follows:
- Make them specific and achievable
- Write positively using past tense and words of gratitude
- Choose tanzaku colors that match your wish category
- Set goals that can be achieved through your own efforts
- Think together with family and friends to deepen bonds
This year’s Tanabata, use these tips to write memorable wishes. Surely Weaver Girl and Cowherd will grant your wonderful wishes.
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