Japan’s Beautiful Old Lunar Month Names
In modern Japan, it’s common to use numbers like January and February to count the months.
However, in the past, Japan had beautifully resonant traditional month names (wafū-getsuei) that reflected the season and atmosphere of each month.
Elegant names like Mutsuki and Kisaragi are not just names; they are precious cultural legacies that tell us about how people lived and felt the changes in nature during those months.
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This article will focus on these unique names for the months in the old Japanese lunar calendar, unraveling the meaning and origin of each one.
While explaining the difference between the old and modern calendars, we will also introduce representative annual events and festivals held throughout Japan in each month.
This will guide you on a journey to experience the lives and sensibilities of people from ancient times.
Knowing these beautiful month names will surely deepen your understanding of Japanese literature, art, and the traditional culture that lives on in everyday life.
Twelve Shimmers Etched in Time: A Journey Through Japan’s Old Lunar Month Names
The old Japanese lunar calendar holds twelve profound month names, interwoven with nature and human activities. Here, we present a list of each month’s name, its meaning, and its approximate correspondence to the modern calendar.
| Month (Modern) | Old Lunar Month Name (Kanji) | Old Lunar Month Name (Hiragana) | Main Meaning/Association | Difference from Modern Calendar |
| January | 睦月 | むつき | Amity, Beginning of the Year | Late January – Early March |
| February | 如月 | きさらぎ | Putting on More Clothes (due to cold), Budding of Plants | Late February – Early April |
| March | 弥生 | やよい | Increasing Growth of Plants | Late March – Early May |
| April | 卯月 | うづき | Time when Udo flowers bloom, Rice Planting | Late April – Early June |
| May | 皐月 | さつき | Time for Planting Early Rice Seedlings | Late May – Early July |
| June | 水無月 | みなづき | Time for Drawing Water into Rice Paddies (“Na” means “of”) | Late June – Early August |
| July | 文月 | ふみづき / ふづき | Airing Books in the Night Breeze, Ripening Rice Ears | Late July – Early September |
| August | 葉月 | はづき / はつき | Time when Leaves Fall | Late August – Early October |
| September | 長月 | ながつき / ながづき | Time when Nights Grow Longer | Late September – Early November |
| October | 神無月 | かんなづき / かみなしづき | Month when Gods Leave (to Izumo) | Late October – Early December |
| November | 霜月 | しもつき | Time when Frost Falls | Late November – Early January |
| December | 師走 | しわす | Time when Buddhist Priests Busily Run Around | Late December – Early February |
With this list in mind, let’s delve deeper into the rich stories behind each month’s name.
Mutsuki (睦月) – A Harmonious Month Celebrating the New Year’s Beginning
Mutsuki (むつき) corresponds to modern January, but in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late January to early March.
A prominent theory for its origin is that it evolved from “Mutsubi-zuki” (睦び月), meaning a month of being together harmoniously, as families and relatives gathered to celebrate the New Year.
It truly is a month where bonds of affection deepen. The character “睦” (mutsu) signifies intimacy and harmony.
Another theory suggests that January, being the first month of the year, was originally “Moto-tsuki” (元月), which was then shortened.
There’s also a theory that it was called “Mutsuki” (実月), meaning the month when rice seeds are first soaked in water.
We can see that the beginning of the year was a time filled with warm gatherings and wishes for a bountiful harvest.
Mutsuki also had other elegant names like Hatsu-harutsuki (初春月 – First Spring Month), Shinshun (新春 – New Spring), Samidori-zuki (早緑月 – Early Green Month), Gessei (月正 – Correct Month), and Tarōzuki (太郎月 – Eldest Son Month).
Representative events in Mutsuki include Hatsumōde (初詣), the first visit to a shrine or temple of the New Year.
This custom of praying for good health and household safety for the year ahead has been cherished for centuries.
It seems that in the past, Ehō-mairi (恵方参り), visiting a shrine or temple in the year’s auspicious direction (ehō), was particularly important.
On January 7th, there’s the custom of eating Nanakusa-gayu (七草粥), a rice porridge containing the seven spring herbs (parsley, shepherd’s purse, cudweed, chickweed, henbit, turnip, and daikon radish).
Eating this porridge is believed to ensure good health for the year. Since old lunar January falls before these wild herbs fully grow, it’s thought that this custom shifted to January 7th in the modern calendar.
Kagami-biraki (鏡開き), breaking and eating the kagami-mochi (round rice cakes) that were offered to the New Year’s deity, takes place around January 11th.
The kagami-mochi is believed to house the power of the Toshigami (New Year god), and by consuming it, people receive a share of that power and pray for good health throughout the year.
It’s said that this tradition originated as a ritual among samurai families wishing for good health.
Around January 15th, Koshōgatsu (小正月 – Little New Year) is celebrated.
On this day, there’s a custom of eating azuki-gayu (red bean porridge), and there was also a practice called Yabuiri (薮入り), where apprentices working away from home in merchant houses were given a vacation to return to their families.
Thus, Mutsuki was a harmonious and hopeful month at the beginning of the new year, filled with various events to deepen family and kinship bonds and to pray for health and happiness.
Kisaragi (如月) – A Month Awaiting the Signs of Spring Amidst the Cold
Kisaragi (きさらぎ) corresponds to modern February, and in the old lunar calendar, it ranged from late February to early April.
The most widely known origin of this unique name is “Kisaragi” (衣更着 or 着更着), which describes the act of putting on more clothes due to the lingering cold.
Other theories include “Ki-saragi” (気更来), meaning the gradual improvement of the weather, “Ki-saragi” (生更木), describing the budding of plants, and “Ki-saragi” (来更来), meaning the further arrival of spring that began in the New Year.
These theories convey the feeling of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring amidst the harsh cold.
Kisaragi also had many beautiful alternative names that evoke the signs of spring, such as Umemi-zuki (梅見月 – Plum Blossom Viewing Month), Reigetsu (令月 – Auspicious Month), Hatsu-hanatsuki (初花月 – First Flower Month), Jirōzuki (次郎月 – Second Son Month), Konomi-zuki (木芽月 – Tree Bud Month), Kogusa-oi-zuki (小草生月 – Small Grass Growing Month), and Yukige-zuki (雪消月 – Snow Melting Month).
Representative events in Kisaragi include Setsubun (節分), often held on February 2nd or 3rd.
The custom of scattering beans to drive away demons and invite good fortune originates from the belief that evil spirits are likely to enter during the changing of seasons.
Beans are believed to have the power to destroy evil, and roasted soybeans are typically scattered.
There’s also a custom of decorating entrances with Hiiragi-iwashi (柊鰯), a holly branch with a roasted sardine head, to ward off demons.
Risshun (立春), the day after Setsubun, marks the beginning of spring on the calendar, usually around February 4th but can vary slightly each year.
Around this time, the first strong southerly wind of spring, Haru Ichiban (春一番), may blow.
Preparations for Hinamatsuri (雛祭り – Girls’ Day or Doll Festival) on March 3rd may begin in late February in some regions. Hina-ichi (雛市 – Doll Markets) are held in various places, bustling with activity in anticipation of the Peach Blossom Festival.
Also, on the first day of the Horse (uma) in February, the Hatsu-uma (初午) festival is held, believed to be the day when Inari Okami, the god of abundant harvests, descended to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Various Shinto rituals are performed at Inari shrines nationwide, and there’s a custom of eating inari-zushi (sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu pouches).
Furthermore, Hari-kuyō (針供養 – Needle Mass), a ritual to commemorate and give thanks to broken or bent needles, is held around February 8th.
Needles are stuck into soft objects like tofu or konnyaku (yam cake) as an offering of gratitude for their service.
Kisaragi is a month where the cold of winter still lingers, but the footsteps of spring are approaching, and various traditional events allow people to feel the changing of the seasons.
Some regions have unique festivals like the Kisaragi Matsuri at Jūzō Shrine in Kawai Town.
Cultural festivals like the Kisaragi Sai at Kochi Gakugei High School are also held during this time.
At the Himeji City Museum of Literature, a Kisaragi Matsuri is held in conjunction with the Yakujin Festival at Otoko-yama Hachiman Shrine, enjoyed by local residents.
Yayoi (弥生) – A Month Where Plants Sprout and Life Abounds
Yayoi (やよい) corresponds to modern March, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late March to early May.
The origin of this name is said to be the phrase “Kikusa iya oi-shigeru tsuki” (木草弥生ひ茂る月), meaning the month when trees and grasses increasingly flourish.
“Iya” (弥) means “more and more” or “increasingly.”
It is truly a month that embodies the breath of spring and is full of vitality.
Yayoi had numerous beautiful alternative names that evoke flowers and the spring scenery, such as Kagetsu (花月 – Flower Month), Tōgetsu (桃月 – Peach Month), Sakura-zuki (桜月 – Cherry Blossom Month), Hanasaki-zuki (花咲月 – Flower Blooming Month), Hanami-zuki (花見月 – Flower Viewing Month), Yumemi-zuki (夢見月 – Dream Viewing Month), Hiina-zuki (雛月 – Doll Month), and Keigetsu (禊月 – Purification Month).
The representative event of Yayoi is Hinamatsuri (雛祭り – Girls’ Day or Doll Festival) on March 3rd.
It’s a festival to pray for the healthy growth of girls, where hina dolls are displayed, and special dishes like chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), hishi-mochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), and clam soup are enjoyed.
The origin of Hinamatsuri dates back to the ancient Chinese purification ritual of the Shangsi Festival (上巳の節句).
In the past, there was a custom of Naga-shi-bina (流し雛), where dolls were used to transfer misfortune and then floated down rivers or into the sea.
The Shunbun no Hi (春分の日 – Vernal Equinox Day), usually around March 20th or 21st, is the day when the length of day and night is almost equal.
This day is a national holiday to celebrate nature and cherish living things.
The week around the Vernal Equinox is called Ohigan (お彼岸), a period for commemorating ancestors. There’s a custom of visiting graves and offering botamochi (sweet rice balls covered with red bean paste). It’s said that botamochi is named after the peony flower (botan) that blooms in spring.
In Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, the Yayoi Matsuri (弥生祭), a festival announcing the arrival of spring, is held. Also, at the Yoshinogari Historical Park in Saga Prefecture, various events are held during the spring, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Yayoi period (ancient Japanese history).
Thus, Yayoi is a hopeful month where plants sprout, flowers begin to bloom, and the breath of life can be felt.
Uzuki (卯月) – A Month When Udo Flowers Bloom and Rice Planting Preparations Begin
Uzuki (うづき) corresponds to modern April, and in the old lunar calendar, it refers to the time when the season transitions from spring to summer, from late April to early June.
The most likely origin of this name is the abbreviation of “Unohana-zuki” (卯の花月), the month when the white and delicate uno hana (deutzia flowers, Deutzia crenata) are in full bloom.
Another theory suggests that it derives from “Ue-zuki” (植え月), meaning the month for planting rice. Uzuki had alternative names such as Ue-zuki (植月 – Planting Month), Unohana-zuki (卯花月 – Deutzia Flower Month), Natsu-hazuki (夏初月 – Early Summer Month), Rikka (立夏 – Beginning of Summer), Shika (始夏 – Start of Summer), Hana-nokori-zuki (花残月 – Month of Lingering Flowers), Seiwa-zuki (清和月 – Clear Harmony Month), and Seiyō-zuki (正陽月 – True Yang Month).
A representative event in Uzuki is Hana Matsuri (花祭り – Flower Festival) held on April 8th. It’s a Buddhist event celebrating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), where sweet tea (amacha) is poured over a statue of the infant Buddha placed in a flower-decorated shrine.
This festival was originally held on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month, and some temples still observe it on May 8th, a month later. Also, on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month, there was a custom called Tentōbana (天道花) in some regions, where wildflowers were picked and decorated on tall poles to pray to the sun for a good harvest.
April is also the time when preparations for rice planting begin in earnest in many regions.
Various spring festivals are held throughout the country. The Takayama Festival (Sannō Festival in spring) held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is famous for its magnificent floats.
The Nikko Yayoi Festival in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is also a lively festival announcing the arrival of spring.
At Kochi University, the Uzuki Sai (卯月祭) is held by students, featuring welcome events for new students.
Thus, Uzuki is a vibrant month, the beautiful season of uno hana blossoms, when rice planting preparations begin, and spring festivals liven up various regions.
Satsuki (皐月) – A Lively Month Where Early Rice Seedlings Grow Lushly
Satsuki (さつき) corresponds to modern May, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late May to early July, a time when rice planting is in full swing.
The most likely origin of this name is the abbreviation of “Sanae-zuki” (早苗月), the month when young women (saotome) plant rice seedlings.
It’s also said that the character “皐” (sa) means rice offered to the gods.
Satsuki is truly a name deeply connected to rice cultivation.
Satsuki had alternative names such as Sanae-zuki (早苗月 – Early Rice Seedling Month), Satsuki (五月 – Fifth Month), Inenae-zuki (稲苗月 – Rice Seedling Month), Shōbu-zuki (菖蒲月 – Iris Month), Tachibana-zuki (橘月 – Mandarin Orange Month), Keigetsu (啓月 – Opening Month), and Ugetsu (雨月 – Rainy Month).
A representative event in Satsuki is Kodomo no Hi (子供の日 – Children’s Day) on May 5th, formerly known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句 – Boys’ Day).
It’s a festival to pray for the healthy growth of boys, where koi-nobori (carp streamers) are displayed, along with armor, helmets, and gogatsu-ningyō (May dolls).
There’s also a custom of eating chimaki (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves) and kashiwa-mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves).
Tango no Sekku is said to have originally been an event to ward off evil spirits during the changing of seasons.
In Kyoto, the grand Aoi Matsuri (葵祭 – Hollyhock Festival) is held on May 15th. A procession of people dressed in Heian period (794-1185) form a procession connecting the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, conveying the elegance of the ancient capital to the present day. The festival is named after the futaba-aoi (twin-leaf asarum) that the participants wear.
In various regions, rice planting festivals (taue-matsuri) are held to pray for a good harvest, coinciding with the rice planting season.
At Asakusa Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) takes place in May, bustling with many people.
Thus, Satsuki is a vibrant month where early rice seedlings grow lushly, filled with the breath of life.
Minazuki (水無月) – A Refreshing Month When Water is Drawn into Rice Paddies
Minazuki (みなづき) corresponds to modern June, and in the old lunar calendar, it refers to the height of summer after the rainy season (tsuyu), from late June to early August.
The name is said to mean “Month of Water.”
Here, the character “無” (na) acts as a possessive particle similar to “no” in modern Japanese, so it doesn’t mean “no water.” It likely describes the scene after rice planting when water is drawn into the paddies.
Other theories suggest it derives from “Minashi-tsuki” (皆仕尽), meaning the month when everyone finishes the major task of rice planting, or literally because it’s a hot season when water dries up.
Minazuki had alternative names such as Kazemachi-zuki (風待月 – Month Waiting for Wind), Narukami-zuki (鳴神月 – Month of Thunder), Matsukaze-zuki (松風月 – Month of Pine Wind), Kika (季夏 – End of Summer), Suzukure-zuki (涼暮月 – Month of Cool Evenings), Seminoha-zuki (蝉羽月 – Month of Cicada Wings), and Tokonatsu-zuki (常夏月 – Everlasting Summer Month).
A representative event in Minazuki is Nagoshi no Harae (夏越の祓 – Summer Purification Ritual) held on June 30th.
It’s a Shinto ritual to purify the impurities accumulated during the first half of the year (January to June) and to pray for good health for the remaining half.
A large ring made of thatch (chinowa) is set up in the shrine grounds, and people pass through it to cleanse themselves.
This ritual is deeply connected to the legend of a man named Somin Shōrai (蘇民将来).
In Kyoto, there’s a custom of eating a sweet called Minazuki (水無月) on the day of Nagoshi no Harae.
It’s a triangular piece of white uirō (a type of steamed cake) topped with sweet red beans, shaped to resemble ice from an icehouse, with the red color of the beans believed to ward off evil.
Various water-related festivals called Minazuki Matsuri (水無月祭り) are held in different regions.
The Minazuki Matsuri in the Minamishimi district of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a dynamic festival where giant lanterns called kiriko parade along the coast.
The Minazuki Matsuri in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, features a rare Shinto ritual where a mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried across the sea by boat.
The Sannō Matsuri (山王祭) held at Hie Shrine in Tokyo is also a large festival that takes place in mid-June.
Thus, Minazuki is a season when water is drawn into the rice paddies, bringing a sense of coolness, and it’s an important month for purifying oneself from the impurities of the first half of the year and praying for good health in summer.
Fumizuki (文月) – A Month for Appreciating Books and Wishing for the Growth of Rice Ears
Fumizuki (ふみづき or ふづき) corresponds to modern July, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late July to early September.
A prominent theory for its origin is that it evolved from “Fumi-hiraki-zuki” (文披月 or 文広月), meaning the month for opening books and airing them in the night breeze, hoping for improvement in calligraphy and studies, especially on the night of Tanabata. Fumi (文) means books or letters.
Another theory suggests it changed from “Ho-fumi-zuki” (穂含月) or “Fufumi-zuki” (含月), referring to the time when rice ears begin to ripen.
Fumizuki had alternative names such as Tanabata-zuki (七夕月 – Star Festival Month), Nanayo-zuki (七夜月 – Seventh Night Month), Me-ai-zuki (愛逢月 – Month of Loving Encounters), Rangetsu (蘭月 – Orchid Month), Ominaeshi-zuki (女郎花月 – Patrinia Flower Month), Ryōgetsu (涼月 – Cool Month), and Aki-hazuki (秋初月 – Early Autumn Month).
The representative event of Fumizuki is Tanabata (七夕 – Star Festival) on July 7th.
It’s a star festival originating from a Chinese legend about the Weaver Princess (Orihime) and the Cowherd (Hikoboshi), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year.
People write their wishes on small strips of paper (tanzaku) and hang them on bamboo branches, entrusting their wishes to the stars.
During the Nara period (710-794), a festival called Kikkōden (乞巧奠), a ceremony to pray for improvement in skills, was held in the imperial court.
Some regions observe Obon (お盆 – Buddhist All Souls’ Day) in July.
In areas that celebrate Obon according to the modern calendar, people light welcome fires (mukaebi) to greet the spirits of their ancestors.
In Kyoto, the Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), one of Japan’s three major festivals, takes place throughout July.
Also, morning glory markets (asagao-ichi) are held in Iriya (Taito Ward) and Zōshigaya (Toshima Ward) in Tokyo, a summer tradition.
On the 26th day of the seventh lunar month, there was a custom called Nijūrokuya-machi (二十六夜待ち), where people enjoyed eating and drinking while waiting for the moonrise.
Thus, Fumizuki is a month for appreciating books, filled with the romantic atmosphere of Tanabata, and for preparing to welcome Obon, making it an emotionally rich month.
Hazuki (葉月) – A Month When Leaves Begin to Fall, Sensing the Arrival of Autumn
Hazuki (はづき or はつき) corresponds to modern August, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late August to early October.
The most likely origin of this name is the evolution of “Ha-ochitsuki” (葉落月), the month when leaves begin to fall as autumn approaches.
In ancient times, it seems it was also read as “Hatsuki.”
Other theories include its derivation from “Ho-hari-zuki” (穂張月), the season when rice ears begin to swell, and “Hatsukari-zuki” (初雁月), the month when the first wild geese arrive.
Hazuki had alternative names such as Chūshū (仲秋 – Mid-Autumn), Tsubame-sarizuki (燕去月 – Month When Swallows Leave), Ochiba-zuki (落葉月 – Fallen Leaf Month), Keigetsu (桂月 – Laurel Tree Month), Hatsuki-zuki (初来月 – First Coming Month), and Tsukimi-zuki (月見月 – Moon Viewing Month).
A representative event in Hazuki is Obon (お盆 – Buddhist All Souls’ Day).
In many regions, Obon rituals are held in August, a month later than in some other areas, to commemorate and console the spirits of ancestors.
A series of events takes place, including lighting welcome fires to greet the spirits, holding Bon Odori (Bon dances) to entertain them, and lighting farewell fires to send them off.
August is also when summer festivals reach their peak throughout the country.
Major Japanese summer festivals such as the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori Prefecture and the Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji) in Kyoto are held.
The first day of the eighth lunar month (around early September in the modern calendar) is called Hassaku (八朔), a time when farmers traditionally prayed for a good harvest and gave gifts to people they were indebted to as a gesture of gratitude.
In Kyoto’s geisha districts (kagai), there’s still a custom of geiko and maiko making rounds to offer greetings on this day.
Thus, Hazuki is a month that evokes the end of summer while hinting at the arrival of autumn, and it’s a month for commemorating ancestors and concluding summer memories with various events.
Nagatsuki (長月) – A Month When Nights Grow Longer, Sensing the Deepening of Autumn
Nagatsuki (ながつき or ながづき) corresponds to modern September, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late September to early November.
The most likely origin of this name is the abbreviation of “Yo-nagatsuki” (夜長月), the month when nights grow longer as autumn arrives.
Other theories include its origin in the autumn long rains (nagame) and the idea that “Ine-kari-zuki” (稲刈月 – Rice Harvesting Month) changed to Nagatsuki.
Nagatsuki had alternative names such as Kiku-zuki (菊月 – Chrysanthemum Month), Momiji-zuki (紅葉月 – Autumn Leaves Month), Yo-nagatsuki (夜長月 – Long Night Month), Ine-ure-zuki (稲熟月 – Rice Ripening Month), and Ine-kari-zuki (稲刈月 – Rice Harvesting Month).
A representative event in Nagatsuki is the Shūbun no Hi (秋分の日 – Autumnal Equinox Day), around September 23rd.
Similar to the Vernal Equinox, it’s a day when the length of day and night is almost equal, and the week around this day is Ohigan (お彼岸), a period for commemorating ancestors.
People visit graves and offer ohagi (sweet rice balls covered with red bean paste), which often feature coarse red bean paste (tsubu-an) since they use freshly harvested azuki beans from autumn.
The 15th night of the eighth lunar month (around mid-September to early October in the modern calendar) is Jugoya (十五夜), a moon-viewing festival.
People admire the beautiful full moon while offering Japanese pampas grass (susuki), rice dumplings (dango), taro, and other seasonal offerings to give thanks for the harvest.
The moon on this night is also called Imo-meigetsu (芋名月 – Potato Harvest Moon).
Also, the 13th night of the ninth lunar month (around mid-October to early November in the modern calendar) is Jūsan-ya (十三夜), another moon-viewing festival, also known as Mame-meigetsu (豆名月 – Bean Harvest Moon) or Kuri-meigetsu (栗名月 – Chestnut Harvest Moon).
In the Kansai region (including Osaka), dynamic festivals called Danjiri Matsuri (だんじり祭 – float festivals) are held in September.
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, is particularly famous.
Thus, Nagatsuki is a month when nights grow longer, sensing the deepening of autumn, and it’s a month for appreciating the beautiful moon and holding various events to give thanks for the harvest.
Kannazuki (神無月) – A Mystical Month When Gods from Across the Land Gather in Izumo
Kannazuki (かんなづき or かみなしづき) corresponds to modern October, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late October to early December.
The most distinctive feature of this month is that it’s believed that the yaoyorozu no kami (eight million gods) from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine (出雲大社) in Shimane Prefecture, leaving other regions without deities.
Therefore, it’s written as “Month Without Gods” (kan-na-zuki).
However, in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, this month is specially called Kamiarizuki (神在月) or Kamiari-zuki (神有月), meaning “Month When Gods Are Present.”
It’s said that the gods gathered in Izumo hold various meetings, particularly regarding matchmaking.
Kannazuki had alternative names such as Kamisarizuki (神去月 – Month When Gods Leave), Hatsushimotsuki (初霜月 – First Frost Month), Shigurezuki (時雨月 – Month of Autumn Showers), Kaminakarizuki (雷無月 – Month Without Thunder), Kaminashizuki (醸成月 – Brewing Month), Kannamezuki (神嘗月 – Month of Tasting New Rice by Gods), Chinsai-getsu (鎮祭月 – Festival Pacification Month), Koharu-zuki (小春月 – Indian Summer Month), Yōgetsu (陽月 – Yang Month), Ōtsuki (大月 – Big Month), and Kagami-matsuri-zuki (鏡祭月 – Mirror Festival Month).
In the Izumo region, various Shinto rituals are performed to welcome the gods.
On the 10th day of the tenth lunar month, the Kami-mukae-sai (神迎祭 – God Welcoming Festival) is held at Inasa Beach (稲佐の浜) to greet the gods gathered from all over the country.
Afterward, various festivals called Kamiari-sai (神在祭 – God Presence Festival) are held at Izumo Taisha Shrine and Kamino-miya (Upper Shrine) at Inasa Beach.
On the 18th day of the tenth lunar month, the Kara-sade-sai (神等去出祭 – God Departure Festival) is held to send the gods back to their respective lands, marking the end of the Kamiari-sai.
This period is called Oimi-sai (御忌祭) and is observed with solemnity.
In regions other than Izumo, various autumn festivals are held in October.
The Kawagoe Matsuri in Saitama Prefecture and the Takayama Matsuri (Hachiman Festival in autumn) in Gifu Prefecture are famous examples.
Thus, Kannazuki is a month with a mystical tradition of gods from all over the country gathering in Izumo, and it’s a sacred month where special festivals are held in the Izumo region.
Shimotsuki (霜月) – A Month When the First Frost Falls, Sensing the Arrival of Winter
Shimotsuki (しもつき) corresponds to modern November, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late November to early January.
The name literally means “Month of Frost,” believed to be an abbreviation of “Shimo-furi-zuki” (霜降月 – Month of Falling Frost). It’s a season when the first frost begins to fall, making people feel the arrival of winter.
Shimotsuki had alternative names such as Shimo-furi-zuki (霜降月 – Month of Falling Frost), Shimo-mi-zuki (霜見月 – Frost Viewing Month), Yuki-machi-zuki (雪待月 – Month Waiting for Snow), Yuki-mi-zuki (雪見月 – Snow Viewing Month), Chōgetsu (暢月 – Relaxed Month), Kagura-zuki (神楽月 – Month of Sacred Music and Dance), Kamiki-zuki or Kamikaeri-zuki (神帰月 or 神返月 – Month When Gods Return), and Fukugetsu (復月 – Returning Month).
A representative event in Shimotsuki is Shichi-Go-San (七五三), held on November 15th. It’s a traditional Japanese event to celebrate the growth of children aged three, five, and seven, and to pray for their future health and happiness.
Families visit shrines and offer chitose-ame (long, thin candy sticks symbolizing longevity).
In various regions, festivals called Shimotsuki Matsuri (霜月祭り) are held to send off the field gods after the harvest to the mountains.
Some areas perform Yudate Kagura (湯立神楽), a Shinto ritual using hot water.
On the Noto Peninsula, there’s a ritual called Ae no Koto (あえのこと), where the field god is welcomed and entertained at home.
On the days of the Rooster (tori) in November, festivals called Tori no Ichi (酉の市 – Rooster Fair) are held at various Otori shrines.
People pray for business prosperity and good luck, buying lucky charms such as decorated rakes (kumade).
November 23rd is Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi), but it was originally a court ritual called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭), where the Emperor offered the newly harvested grains to the gods and partook of them himself.
Thus, Shimotsuki is a month when the first frost falls, signaling the arrival of winter, and it’s a month for celebrating the growth of children and giving thanks for the harvest with various events.
Shiwasu (師走) – A Month When People Hastily Go About Their Business Towards the Year’s End
Shiwasu (しわす) corresponds to modern December, and in the old lunar calendar, it spanned from late December to early February.
The most well-known origin of this name is the theory that it evolved from “Shi-hasu” (師馳す), describing how even usually composed Buddhist priests (shi, also meaning teachers) busily run around (馳せる – haseru) performing sutra readings and various Buddhist ceremonies as the year-end approaches.
Other theories suggest origins in “Toshi-hatsu” (歳極) or “Toshi-hatsu” (年果つ), meaning the end of the year; “Shi-hatsu-zuki” (四極月), the month marking the end of the four seasons; and a connection to “Shi-hatsu” (為果つ), implying the completion of tasks.
In any case, it’s a name that reflects the hurried pace of people as the year draws to a close.
Shiwasu had alternative names such as Gokugetsu (極月 – End Month), Rōgetsu (臘月 – Waxing Month, referring to winter preparations), Kurekozuki (暮来月 – Year-End Approaching Month), Harumachi-zuki (春待月 – Month Waiting for Spring), Ume-hatsu-zuki (梅初月 – Early Plum Month), Kyūgetsu (窮月 – Constrained Month), and Jogetsu (除月 – Month of Removal/Preparation).
Representative events in Shiwasu include Ōmisoka (大晦日 – New Year’s Eve) on December 31st.
It’s the last day of the year, and people prepare for the New Year by eating toshikoshi-soba (buckwheat noodles eaten to wish for longevity) and listening to joya no kane (temple bells rung 108 times to dispel the 108 earthly desires).
At the end of the year, Susuharai (煤払い – year-end house cleaning) is also performed. In the past, it was done on the day of Shōgatsu Koto Hajime (正月の事始め – the start of New Year preparations), which falls on the 13th day of the twelfth lunar month. From this day, it was also customary to prepare New Year decorations such as kadomatsu (pine and bamboo decorations).
The Tōji (冬至 – Winter Solstice), the day with the shortest daylight hours of the year, falls around December 22nd.
On this day, there’s a custom of eating pumpkin (kabocha) and taking a yuzu-yu (citrus bath) to ward off illness.
Thus, Shiwasu is a busy yet hopeful month as people see out the old year and prepare to welcome the new one.
The old Japanese lunar month names are not just divisions of time; they are beautiful words that reflect the unique nature, lives of the people, and cultural backgrounds of each month.
By knowing these names and understanding their origins and related events, we can once again feel the rich sensibilities of the ancient Japanese and their deep connection to nature.
In modern life, we mostly count the months with numbers, but by reflecting on these elegant old lunar month names, we can add color to our daily lives and deepen our understanding of Japanese traditional culture.
When encountering literary works or traditional performing arts, or when feeling the changing of the seasons, please try to recall these beautiful month names.
They are sure to become a rich time that allows you to feel the elegance of the ancient capitals in the present day.
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