I need Some Help
 

I'm not sure where to put this actually but there is a Japanese Tradition I'm trying to identify. And I'm not sure if it's variations of the same tradition or two different traditions.

The first is where they write on a piece of paper (that to me looks like a book marker) and then hangs it on a tree.

The second is where the write on a ribbon of paper and tie it around a tree branch.

I believe in both instances they're writing a wish, sort of like we do here on new years, but wasn't sure.

If some one could help me out with this I'd appreciate it.

I think you are thinking about Tanabata (七夕-たなばた). Those strips of paper where you write your wishes are called tanzaku (短冊 - たんざく).

You can read more about the festival and customs here:

Tanabata - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tanabata - Calendar 07 - Explore Japan - Kids Web Japan - Web Japan

Two completely different customs.

First one is Tanabata. Refer to JTM's post above. You write what you wish would happen. Tanabata is non-religious.

Second one is Omikuji. You write nothing. You pay and draw a strip of paper telling your fortune at a Shinto shirine or Buddhist temple. After reading it, you fold the strip up and tie it around a tree branch.

Omikuji pic:

now thats really interesting question And ANswer. Thanks for that.