Translation guide
The seventh month of the traditional lunar calendar, associated with the Obon festival and various cultural practices in Japan.
seventh lunar month
Traditional name; also referred to as 陰暦七月 or 旧暦の七月.
Referring to the month itself in a traditional or cultural context.
The traditional Japanese name for the seventh lunar month. Used in poetic, literary, or cultural contexts.
Fumizuki is the month of Tanabata.
Literally 'lunar calendar July'. More descriptive and formal than 文月.
In the seventh lunar month, there is Obon.
'July of the old calendar'. Commonly used in explanations about traditional events.
The seventh month of the old calendar is around August now.
Referring to the period of the Obon festival, which often falls in the seventh lunar month.
The Obon festival, a time when ancestral spirits are believed to return. In many regions, it is observed in the seventh lunar month (around August).
Obon is held in the seventh lunar month.
Literally 'the month of Bon'. A poetic or traditional way to refer to the seventh lunar month.
Referring to the Star Festival, which is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
Tanabata, the Star Festival, based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi. Traditionally celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
Tanabata is on the seventh day of Fumizuki.
The seventh lunar month roughly corresponds to August in the modern Gregorian calendar. When explaining dates, it's helpful to clarify which calendar you're using.
文月 (ふみづき) is the traditional poetic name, while 七月 (しちがつ) is the standard word for July in the modern calendar. Use 文月 only in cultural or literary contexts.
In the month of Bon, we welcome the spirits of our ancestors.