Trees of Wishes: Tanabata and Kupala

Long before the Tanabata festival arrives, cities across Japan come alive with the vibrant colors of tanzaku—paper strips hung on bamboo branches. This tradition has deep historical roots, beginning in the 8th century as a custom of the imperial court before spreading throughout Japanese society during the Edo period (17th–19th centuries).

These colorful paper strips carry people's most heartfelt wishes and aspirations. The rapid growth of bamboo symbolizes a direct connection between earth and heaven. At the culmination of the festival, the decorated bamboo is traditionally burned or set afloat on water, allowing fire and water to carry these written hopes to the stars. Here, faith in miracles is combined with conscious intention, where writing down a dream becomes the first step toward making it a reality.

This summer ritual bears a remarkable resemblance, both in timing and meaning, to the Ukrainian festival of Kupala, celebrated during the period of the summer solstice. A central element of the celebration was the ritual tree, which had different names in different regions of Ukraine, including Kupailo, Marena, Maryna, Hiltse, and others. It was decorated with ribbons, flowers, herbs, and wreaths, symbolizing the life-giving power of nature, fertility, and renewal. Despite regional variations in the rituals, people shared the same belief that nature could grant health, prosperity, and a fortunate future.

Decorating the tree was an ancient ritual through which people expressed their wishes and hopes for the future. In Ukrainian folk tradition, certain colors were often given symbolic meanings: red represented love and the vitality of life, green symbolized health and nature, while yellow was associated with the sun, abundant harvests, and prosperity. The ribbons became symbolic offerings to nature and expressions of hope for its blessing.

The conclusion of the celebration also differed from region to region. In many areas, the ritual tree was burned or set afloat on water, while elsewhere it was taken apart branch by branch or left in the fields. Regardless of these local traditions, the meaning remained the same: fire and water symbolically purified, carrying away misfortune and illness while opening the way to a new cycle of life.

Both traditions demonstrate the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's challenges. Directing one's aspirations toward positive change helps communities preserve their inner strength.

Today, this profound sense of faith continues to sustain Ukrainian society through its greatest trials. Since the beginning of the war in 2014, and especially following russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainians have lived each day defending their homeland. Hope for the country's just renewal has become a shared source of strength, uniting millions of people in their determination to achieve victory. Confidence in their right to freedom gives Ukrainians the strength to move toward that future, restoring life much like the ancient symbols of light and renewal.