1.
unlucky year, year of calamity
Specific ages believed to bring bad luck or misfortune in Japanese tradition.
今年は厄年だ。
This year is my unlucky year.
厄年の厄払いをする。
To have a purification ceremony for the unlucky year.
男性の大厄は42歳だ。
The great unlucky year for men is age 42.
CULTURAL:
Traditional belief in years when one is susceptible to misfortune. Main unlucky ages differ by gender:
- Men: 25, 42 (大厄 major), 61
- Women: 19, 33 (大厄 major), 37
People often visit shrines for 厄払い (purification rituals) during these years.