式しき年ねん

noun

ceremonial year; year of an imperial memorial ceremony

Refers to specific years after an emperor's death when a memorial ceremony is held: the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 20th, 50th, and 100th years, and every 100 years thereafter. Often used in the compound 式年祭.

See also: 式年祭

• 今年ことしは先せん帝ていの式しき年ねんにあたる。

  This year marks a ceremonial year for the late emperor.

• 式しき年ねん祭さいは厳おごそかに執とり行おこなわれた。

  The ceremonial year memorial service was solemnly conducted.