Hukumusume fairy tale collection >Classical stories of the world) >July

イラスト　たつよ　　　提供　らくがきの日常

The tale of Tanabata, the festival of stars.

(Old stories of Chinese)

ほんやく(Translation)　ちいさな翻訳屋さん

Japanese  ・English　・Japanese＆English

　The god of heaven lived near the Milky Way shining in the night sky.

　The god of heaven had a daughter. Her name was Ori-hime.

　Her job was weaving and creating clothes for gods.

　One day, the god of heaven thought Ori-hime came of marriageable age and wanted to arrange her marriage.
　Then, he scouted around and found out Hiko-boshi, who was a cattleman beside the Milky Way.

　He was a hardworking good young man.
　Ori-hime was also a very kind beautiful lady.
　They fell in love at first sight.

　They soon married and had a happy life.

　However, that became such a problem.
　They were always together without working.

“Everyone dresses in ragged clothes because Ori-hime doesn’t work at all.”
“Soon, please tell her to weave new clothes.”
“Cows became sick because Hiko-boshi doesn’t take care for them.”
　Everyone came to the god of heaven to complain about.
　The god of heaven became so angry.

　And said, “You two must live separate in the east and the west of the Milky Way!”
　He made them pull away from each other.
“Oh my, I would like to see Hiko-boshi. I really miss him…”
　The god of heaven saw his daughter crying every day and asked.
“My dear daughter, you miss him so much?”
“Of course! I would!”
“Well, only once a year,”
“Only at the night of 7th July, I allow you meet Hiko-boshi.”
　After that, Ori-hime looked forward to the day, only once a year.
　She wove hard every day.
　Hiko-boshi on the other side of the Milky Way, also looked forward to the day and work hard as a cattleman.
　After all, the night of 7th July was coming.
　Ori-hime crossed the Milky Way and go to meet Hiko-boshi.

　When it rained, the water level of the Milky Way rose and Ori-hime couldn’t cross the river.

　Though, don’t worry.
　On such an occasion, a bird called Pica pica came flying and made bridge on the Milky Way.

　Now, look up at the night sky and celebrate their reunion!

The End

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