tanabata tree

This is the emoji for Japan's 'wishing tree.' People hang pieces of paper with their wishes on them from bamboo.

This is a decoration you can see at the Japanese 'Tanabata' (Star Festival). You can use it to wish a friend good luck, in the hopes that their wishes will come true.

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This emoji is related to the legend of 'Tanabata,' the Japanese Star Festival. It originates from the custom of making wishes to commemorate the story of two lovers who can only meet once a year.

It's not just for Tanabata; it's also used to express earnest hopes, like New Year's wishes or praying to pass an exam. Many East Asian cultures have similar wish-making customs, making it highly relatable. Try using it in a post when you're committing to a personal goal.