In ancient Japan, each month had a poetic name inspired by nature, daily life, and seasonal change.
February was called Kisaragi (きさらぎ / 如月).
You can still find this beautiful name on traditional calendars and seasonal writings today.
Meaning of Kisaragi (きさらぎ / 如月)
One popular explanation connects the name to the cold of late winter.
It is often linked to the phrase:
- 衣更着 (kisara-gi) – “to put on more clothes”
As the cold deepened in February, people layered their garments to stay warm.
From this idea, Kisaragi came to suggest
“The Month of Adding Clothes.”
Why “the month of adding clothes”?
February is one of the coldest periods of the year in Japan.
Before modern heating, people felt the chill strongly in their daily lives.
To protect themselves from the cold, they:
- wore extra layers
- wrapped themselves in thicker clothing
- gathered close to warmth
The name reflects a very human, everyday response to winter — quietly adapting to the season.
Cultural Meaning
Kisaragi carries the feeling of winter’s final stretch.
It represents:
- enduring the cold with patience
- caring for the body and family
- preparing for the coming of spring
- finding warmth in small moments
Even though snow may still fall, there is already a gentle sense that spring is approaching.
Originally inspired by Chinese traditions
Like many traditional month names, Kisaragi was influenced by ancient Chinese calendars.
Over time, Japan shaped the name through daily life and seasonal experience.
Today, Kisaragi beautifully expresses both the harshness of winter and the quiet warmth people create to live through it.
