宵宮よみや

noun

eve of a festival; festival-eve vigil

Refers to the evening before the main day of a Shinto festival, often involving a smaller-scale celebration or vigil. Compare 宵祭り (よいまつり), which is a similar concept.

See also: 宵祭り (よいまつり)

• 宵宮よみやには、地じ元もとの人ひとたちが集あつまって小ちいさな神しん事じを行おこなう。

  On the eve of the festival, local people gather and hold a small Shinto ritual.

• 明日あしたが本ほん祭まつりで、今こん夜やは宵宮よみやだ。

  Tomorrow is the main festival, and tonight is the festival eve.