1.
February (traditional Japanese calendar name)
The traditional Japanese name for the second month of the year. Part of the classical month naming system (和風月名) still used in formal writing, seasonal greetings, and literary contexts.
如月の風は冷たい。
The February wind is cold.
如月に入り、梅の花が咲き始めた。
February has arrived, and the plum blossoms have begun to bloom.
俳句で如月は春の季語として使われる。
In haiku, kisaragi is used as a spring season word.
One of the twelve traditional Japanese month names (和風月名). Although the modern calendar uses 二月, 如月 appears in poetry, formal letters, and cultural contexts. Also used as a surname and given name.
ETYMOLOGY:
Several theories exist. The most popular is from 衣更着 (putting on more layers of clothing), because February is still very cold. Another theory connects it to the start of plant growth.
ALTERNATE KANJI:
Also written 衣更着 based on the folk etymology.
TRADITIONAL MONTH NAMES (SURROUNDING MONTHS):
- 睦月: January
- 如月: February
- 弥生: March
USAGE:
In the old lunisolar calendar, 如月 roughly corresponded to March in the modern calendar, which is why it is classified as a spring season word (季語) in haiku despite being "February" in name.