Festival celebrated annually on 7 July, introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century. It is dedicated to Altair and Vega, two stars in the constellations Aquila and Lyra respectively, separated by the Milky Way. According to legend they represent two star-crossed lovers allowed by the gods to meet on that night.
Yellow and the diamond shape represent Brazil's mineral wealth. The motto Ordem e Progresso means ‘Order and Progress’. Green stands for the vast forests. Effective date: 15 November 1889.