1.
six-day repeating calendar cycle for auspiciousness
A traditional Japanese calendar system dividing days into six types with varying degrees of luck. Still widely consulted for scheduling weddings, business openings, and funerals. The six days cycle through the month.
The six days of the cycle, in order:
- 大安: great peace — most auspicious; popular for weddings
- 友引: friend-pulling — auspicious except for funerals (said to pull friends along in death)
- 先勝: pre-emptive win — mornings auspicious; avoid afternoons
- 先負: pre-emptive loss — afternoons auspicious; avoid mornings
- 仏滅: Buddha's passing — most inauspicious; avoid ceremonies
- 赤口: red mouth — mostly inauspicious; midday only is auspicious
Still printed on many traditional Japanese calendars and consulted for major life events despite having no historical connection to Buddhist or Shinto tradition.