上棟式(じょうとうしき)

じょうとうしき
noun
roof-raising ceremony; topping-out ceremony
formalbuildingculture
1. roof-raising ceremony; topping-out ceremony
A ceremony held when the framework of a new building is complete and the ridgepole is put in place, to pray for the safe completion of the building and thank the carpenters.
上棟式(じょうとうしき)を行(おこな)う。
To hold a roof-raising ceremony.
新居(しんきょ)の上棟式(じょうとうしき)に親戚(しんせき)が集(あつ)まった。
Relatives gathered for the roof-raising ceremony of the new house.
最近(さいきん)は上棟式(じょうとうしき)を省略(しょうりゃく)して、大工(だいく)さんにお礼(れい)だけ渡(わた)す施主(せしゅ)も多(おお)い。
These days many owners skip the roof-raising ceremony and simply give the carpenters a gift of thanks.

上(じょう) (raise) + 棟(とう) (ridgepole) + 式(しき) (ceremony). The everyday word is 棟上(むねあ)げ or 建前(たてまえ); 上棟式(じょうとうしき) is the formal name.

Cultural note

At a traditional ceremony the owner offers sake, salt and rice to the gods, and sometimes throws rice cakes and coins from the roof to neighbours (餅(もち)まき). It is one of three building ceremonies: 地鎮祭(じちんさい) before work starts, 上棟式(じょうとうしき) midway, and 竣工式(しゅんこうしき) at completion.

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 竣工式(しゅんこうしき) (completion ceremony)
general
Added 2026.9.28 9:59 · Revised 2026.9.28 9:59
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