1.
first dream of the new year
The first dream one has in the new year, traditionally on the night of January 1st or 2nd. In Japanese culture, certain dreams are considered auspicious.
初夢を見た。
I had my first dream of the year.
初夢に富士山が出てきた。
Mt. Fuji appeared in my first dream of the year.
初夢で縁起がいいのは「一富士二鷹三なすび」と言われている。
It is said that the most auspicious first dreams are 'first, Mt. Fuji; second, a hawk; third, an eggplant.'
初夢 is the first dream of the new year, traditionally the dream seen on the night of January 1st or 2nd.
CULTURAL NOTE:
The saying 一富士二鷹三なすび lists the three most auspicious things to dream of: Mt. Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant. This saying dates back to the Edo period, and its origin is debated.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 初夢を見る: to have one's first dream of the year
- 初夢に出てくる: to appear in one's first dream
USAGE:
初夢 is a seasonal topic in Japanese conversation. People often share what they dreamed about as a lighthearted New Year's tradition. The content of the dream is sometimes taken as an omen for the year ahead.