Women's New Year

Japanese: 女の正月 - おんなのしょうがつ

While the Great New Year, centered on New Year's Day, is called "Men's New Year" or "Men's Toshitori," the Little New Year, centered on January 15th, is called "Flower New Year" or "Buddha's New Year" in some places, as well as "Women's New Year" or "Women's Toshitori." The day and period called Women's New Year differs depending on the region. For example, in the Azumi region of Nagano Prefecture, the evening of the 14th is called Women's Toshitori, and men are supposed to cook dinner. In Asahi Village, Niigata Prefecture, the 16th is called Women's New Year, and women would visit temples or relatives to begin the year. In Kazuno County, Akita Prefecture, the half month from January 16th onwards is called Women's New Year, and is a day off for women.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

元日を中心とする大正月が〈男の正月〉〈男の年取り〉とよばれるのに対して，1月15日を中心とする小正月を〈花正月〉や〈仏の正月〉のほか，〈女の正月〉〈女の年取り〉とよぶ所がある。女の正月とよばれる日や期間は地方によって異なる。たとえば長野県の安曇地方では，14日の晩を女の年取りといい，夕飯は男が作ることになっていた。新潟県の朝日村では，16日を〈女の年始〉といい，女が寺や親戚に年始に行ったという。また秋田県鹿角郡では，1月16日以降の半月を女子正月といい，女の休み日にしていた。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

<<: Women's Garden

>>: A Woman's Life