Bamboo is traditionally used as the central support for Tanabata decorations in Japan.
During Tanabata, people hang colorful paper ornaments and written wishes from bamboo branches. The festival is based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, who are separated by the Milky Way.
Tanabata is commonly celebrated on July 7, although some regions follow a date in August based on the older lunisolar calendar. Bamboo is valued in Japanese culture for its quick growth, strength, and evergreen appearance.
Bamboo branches are not the same as the paper strips used for wishes. Wishes are often written on tanzaku, while the bamboo provides the structure on which tanzaku and other decorations are hung.