noun
grand ceremony; state ceremony
Refers to a large-scale, formal ceremony, often with national or imperial significance. Used in historical or official contexts.
即位の礼は国の大典として執り行われた。
The enthronement ceremony was conducted as a grand state ceremony.
noun
important law; legal canon
Denotes a fundamental or highly significant law, often in historical or legal contexts. Not used for everyday legislation.
大宝律令は古代日本の大典とされる。
The Taihō Code is considered an important legal canon of ancient Japan.
From 大 (great) + 典 (ceremony, law, code). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the compound is conventionally associated with grand ceremonies and fundamental legal codes.