Monthly Designations in Old Japan: Significance and Origins
An Ancient Calendar's Rich Legacy: Japan's Traditional Month Names
Japan's traditional calendar, a blend of lunar and solar cycles, provided the foundation for a unique system of month names. Influenced by Chinese systems and local seasonal observations, these names often evoke natural phenomena, agricultural cycles, or poetic meanings.
Originating from the lunisolar calendar, these names were associated with Earthly Branches, a 12-zodiac system that helped determine auspicious dates for various activities. The shift to the Gregorian calendar in the late 19th century relegated these traditional names to cultural and ceremonial contexts.
The names continue to resonate in literature, festivals, and seasonal writings. Examples, such as Yayoi (March), Satsuki ( May), and Shimotsuki (November), reflect agricultural life, Shinto practices, and poetic traditions.
Take, for instance, the name Minazuki (June). The literal meaning of the kanji, "waterless month," sparks debate. Some theories suggest it refers to the time when water is drained from rice fields for harvesting, while others propose it implies the "water month," alluding to the rainy season.
The poetic name Kannazuki (October) reveals a connection to religious practices, with the belief that all Shinto gods leave their shrines to gather at Izumo Taisha.
Traditional month names carry significance beyond their agricultural and religious roots. They have been preserved in personal names (e.g., Satsuki, Minazuki) and serve as kigo in classical poetry like waka and haiku, evoking seasonal feelings.
Today, the older calendar system and its names are occasionally consulted for ritual or ceremonial purposes, preserving a link to Japan’s agrarian past and rich poetic tradition.
Festivals celebrating the rich poetic tradition are often held in alignment with the traditional month names, such as the Tanabata Festival in Minazuki (June).
Nature, customs, and lifestyle all intertwine during events that honor the agricultural cycles encompassed by these month names, like the Satsuki Festival in Satsuki (May).
Tours that highlight Japan's history and culture often incorporate the study of each traditional month name, shedding light on the significant role they played in shaping the country's ancient lifestyle.
Food-and-drink choices during festivals might be impacted by the month names, as some dishes or ingredients are traditionally considered appropriate for certain seasons, such as the use of grilled eel in Shimotsuki (November).
In home-and-garden contexts, certain month names may still be employed to determine optimal planting times based on the agricultural cycles associated with them, like Yayoi (March) being a time when seeds are sown.
The fashion-and-beauty industry occasionally takes inspiration from the traditional month names, as seen in the naming of clothing collections, makeup palettes, or fragrances that evoke seasonal feelings or symbolism, such as a Minazuki collection launching during the rainy season.
Religion plays a role in the preservation of the traditional month names, as they continue to be used in Shinto rituals or folklore, reinforcing a connection between the past and present for future generations to appreciate.
