A JAPANESE FESTIVAL

1 | Look at the title and the images. Discuss the questions with a partner. 1 What can you see in the images? 2 What things do you think people do at Tanabata?

2 | Read the article. Were your ideas in Exercise 1 correct?

3 | Read the article again and answer the questions. 1 Why is Tanabata called the Star Festival? Because it celebrates the love story of two stars. 2 How did Orihime and Hikoboshi first meet? 3 What happened after Orihime and Hikoboshi first met? 4 Why was Orihime’s father angry? 5 Why do Japanese people want good weather for Tanabata? 6 Why does Tanabata happen on 7 July?
4 | Describe a legend that you like to a partner. Think about these questions: • What is its origin? • Is it connected to a local festival? • When and where does the legend take place? • Who are the main characters and what happens to each person?
Is the legend of Tanabata similar to any legends in your country?