1.
mourning period; period of abstinence after a death
The period following the death of a close family member during which the bereaved abstain from celebrations, shrine visits, and certain social activities. Traditionally 49 days in Buddhist custom.
忌中のため、年賀状は出しません。
We won't be sending New Year's cards because we are in mourning.
玄関に忌中の札が貼ってあった。
A mourning notice was posted at the entrance.
忌中は神社への参拝を控えるのが一般的だ。
It is common practice to refrain from visiting shrines during the mourning period.
A formal term for the mourning period observed after the death of a close relative. In Buddhist tradition, the period typically lasts 49 days (四十九日), during which the soul is believed to be in transition. In Shinto custom, the period of ritual impurity is generally shorter.
DURING MOURNING:
- 年賀状を控える: refrain from New Year's cards (send 喪中はがき instead)
- 神社への参拝を避ける: avoid shrine visits
- 祝い事への参加を控える: refrain from celebratory events
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 忌中の札: mourning placard (posted at the entrance)
- 忌中につき: due to being in mourning
- 忌中期間: mourning period
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 喪中: in mourning — broader term, typically refers to the full year of mourning
- 服喪: observing mourning — the act of following mourning customs
- 忌明け: end of the mourning period