In ancient Japan, each month had a seasonal name that captured the spirit of nature and daily life.
November was called Shimotsuki (しもつき / 霜月).
You can still find this beautiful old name on traditional Japanese calendars.
Meaning of Shimotsuki (しもつき / 霜月)
The name breaks down as:
- 霜 (shimo) – “frost”
- 月 (tsuki) – “month”
Together, Shimotsuki means “The Month of Frost.”
Why “frost”?
November marks the time of year when the air turns crisp and the first frost (霜) begins to appear on the ground in the early mornings — especially in the countryside.
This shift signals the true beginning of winter preparations. People gather fallen leaves, harvest late crops, and warm themselves by the hearth.
It’s a time of quiet transition, when nature slows down and life turns inward.
Cultural meaning
In traditional Japan, Shimotsuki carried the feeling of:
- The end of autumn and the arrival of early winter
- Frosty mornings and long nights under the stars
- Preparing preserved foods, firewood, and warm clothing
- A quiet, cozy season of reflection and rest
In literature and poetry, 霜月 often evokes images of sleeping animals, bare trees, and the silence of cold fields — all embraced with a sense of beauty.
Originally inspired by Chinese traditions
The old names for the months were originally inspired by Chinese traditions, but they’ve taken on unique meanings in Japanese life today.