The mysterious ancient names of the months in Japanese: A journey through time and nature

The Japanese calendar has a fascinating history that goes back centuries. In addition to the names of the months that we use today, there was a time when different terms were used to designate each month of the year . This tradition of ancient Japanese month names gives us a glimpse into the rich culture and connection the Japanese people had with nature and seasonal changes .

Before Japan’s adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873 , the lunar calendar was the system used. Each lunar month was associated with specific natural events and phenomena and given names based on those characteristics. These names reflected the close relationship the Japanese had with their natural environment and the importance they attached to seasonal changes.

The first month of the lunar year was called ” Mutsuki “, meaning “January” in the Gregorian calendar. This name was associated with the onset of winter and referred to leafless trees and snowy landscapes . It was a month of introspection and preparation for the new year.

The second lunar month was called ” Kisaragi “, meaning “February”. This name was associated with the arrival of spring and the melting of snow. It was a month of renewal and hope , when the flowers began to bloom and the birds began to sing again.

The third lunar month was known as ” Yayoi “, meaning “March”. This name referred to the moment when the leaves of the trees begin to sprout and the fields are filled with vegetation . It was a month of growth and fertility, where nature was reborn and prepared for the growing season.

The fourth lunar month was called ” Uzuki “, meaning “April”. This name was related to the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom . It was a moment of celebration and contemplation of the ephemeral but beautiful nature of life.

The fifth lunar month , called ” Satsuki “, means “May”. This name referred to the month of seeds , when crops were sown and the growth of the plants was eagerly awaited. It was a month of hard work and hope for a good harvest .

The sixth lunar month was called ” Minazuki “, meaning “June”. This name referred to the rainy season , when nature came alive and the landscape became lush and green. It was a month of renewal and purification .

The seventh lunar month was known as ” Fumizuki “, meaning “July”. This name was related to the abundance of the crops and the flourishing of the fields . It was a month of gratitude and celebration for the fruits of the earth.

The eighth lunar month was called ” Hazuki “, meaning “August”. This name referred to the abundance of leaves on the trees and the transition to autumn . It was a month of reflection and preparation for the coming changes.

The ninth lunar month was known as ” Nagatsuki “, meaning “September”. This name was associated with the lengthening of the nights and the beginning of the fall of the leaves . It was a month of nostalgia and appreciation of fleeting beauty.

The tenth lunar month was called ” Kannazuki “, meaning “October”. This name referred to the month in which it was believed that the gods left the sanctuaries to go to another place . It was a month of reverence and respect for divine beings.

The eleventh lunar month , known as ” Shimotsuki “, means “November”. This name was related to the first frosts and the arrival of winter . It was a month of preparation for the cold and appreciation of winter beauty.

The twelfth and final lunar month was called ” Shiwasu “, meaning “December”. This name was associated with the cold winter and the first snow . It was a month of reflection and celebration of the end of the year.

These ancient names of the months in Japanese take us back to a past in which the connection with nature and the observation of seasonal changes were fundamental in the daily life of the Japanese. They remind us of the importance of appreciating and respecting nature in our own lives and how ancient traditions can continue to be a source of inspiration in the modern world.