四十九日(しじゅうくにち)

しじゅうくにち
noun
49th day after death; memorial service held on this day
culture
1. 49th day after death; memorial service held on this day
The most important Buddhist memorial service, held 49 days after death. Believed to be when the deceased's fate in the afterlife is determined.
四十九日(しじゅうくにち)が過(す)ぎるまで喪(も)に服(ふく)す。
We observe mourning until the 49th day has passed.
四十九日(しじゅうくにち)法要(ほうよう)に親戚(しんせき)が集(あつ)まった。
Relatives gathered for the 49th day memorial service.
四十九日(しじゅうくにち)を迎(むか)えて忌明(きあ)けとなる。
The mourning period ends when the 49th day arrives.

In Buddhist belief, the soul undergoes judgment every seven days for 49 days, after which its next rebirth is determined.

Related words

Cultural note

  • 仮祭壇(かりさいだん) (temporary altar) is removed
  • 本位牌(ほんいはい) (permanent memorial tablet) replaces temporary one
  • Mourning restrictions on celebration end

Related Words

Related: 初七日(しょなのか) (7th day memorial)
Related: 一周忌(いっしゅうき) (first death anniversary)
Related: 忌明(きあ)け (end of mourning period)
Related: 二七日(ふたなのか) (14th-day memorial service)
Related: 三七日(みなのか) (21st-day memorial service)
Related: 四七日(よなのか) (28th-day Buddhist memorial service)
Related: 五七日(いつなのか) (35th-day Buddhist memorial service)
Related: 六七日(むなのか) (42nd-day Buddhist memorial service)
Related: 香典返(こうでんがえ)し (return gifts sent after the 49th day)
general
Added 2026.1.17 6:25 · Revised 2026.10.7 3:23
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