40. The Moon of the Milky Way (Ginga no tsuki)

According to Chinese legend, the constellations known in the West as Aguila and Lyra represent the lovers Niu Lang (Cowherd) and Zhi Nu (Weaving Girl). They were separated by the Emperor of Heaven and placed at different ends of the Milky Way. They are only allowed to meet on the seventh evening of the seventh month of each year. A celebrating of the lovers’ meeting is the subject of the yearly Tanabata Festival. (printed September 1886)