Refers to dawn, especially from the 16th day of the lunar month onward when the moon is still visible at daybreak. A somewhat literary or traditional term; in everyday speech 夜明け is more common.
See also: 夜明け
The moon remained in the dawn sky.
portable paper lantern for walking at night
Abbreviation of 有明行灯. A historical item; not in common modern use.
See also: 有明行灯
有明 was used as an abbreviation for 有明行灯, a portable paper lantern.
明け方 is a neutral, modern word for early morning, whereas 有明 carries an old-fashioned, poetic association with the lunar calendar.
portable paper lantern for walking at night
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 有明 literally mean 'existing brightness', referring to the lingering moonlight at dawn.