忌中(きちゅう)

きちゅう
noun
mourning period; period of abstinence after a death
culturereligion
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(きちゅう)のため、年賀状(ねんがじょう)は出(だ)しません。
We won't be sending New Year's cards because we are in mourning.
玄関(げんかん)に忌中(きちゅう)の札(ふだ)が貼(は)ってあった。
A mourning notice was posted at the entrance.
忌中(きちゅう)は神社(じんじゃ)への参拝(さんぱい)を控(ひか)えるのが一般的(いっぱんてき)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(しじゅうくにち)), during which the soul is believed to be in transition. In Shinto custom, the period of ritual impurity is generally shorter.

During mourning

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 喪中(もちゅう): in mourning — broader term, typically refers to the full year of mourning
  • 服喪(ふくも): observing mourning — the act of following mourning customs
  • 忌明(きあ)け: end of the mourning period

Related Words

Compare: 喪中(もちゅう) (in mourning)
Compare: 忌明(きあ)け (end of the mourning period)
Compare: 服喪(ふくもう) (mourning)
general
Added 2026.4.29 20:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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