Japanese Calendar: 10月 - 神無月 (Kan na zuki)
By Nozomi Yokoyama |This autumn in Japan was expected to be long and warm, but since the end of September, the winds have shifted and the air has noticeably cooled. The autumn colours have also deepened, creating a more vibrant landscape, fitting perfectly to the season!
October is traditionally referred to as 'Kan na zuki' (神無月). While the kanji literally translates to 'the month without gods,' its meaning is more nuanced, with various theories explaining its origin.
In ancient times, 'na' was used as a possessive particle, meaning 'of,' so the phrase 'kami na tsuki' was understood as 'the month of the gods.' A similar linguistic pattern is seen in June's 'Minazuki,' which doesn’t mean 'without water,' but 'the month of water.'
October is considered the 'month of the gods' because it marks an important time for offering the harvested grains to the deities in gratitude. However, in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, known as the 'land of the gods,' October is called 'Kamiaritsuki,' or 'the month of the gods.' It is believed that gods from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine during this time. Even today, the Kamimukaesai Shinto ritual is held on October 10th of the lunar calendar to welcome the gods.
