15th day of the 1st, 7th and 10th lunar months
Traditional term from the Chinese lunar calendar. Refers to the three 元 days: 上元 (1st month 15th), 中元 (7th month 15th), and 下元 (10th month 15th). Rare in modern Japanese outside historical or cultural contexts.
三元 is a collective term for 上元, 中元, and 下元.
heaven, earth and man
Philosophical concept in East Asian thought, referring to the three fundamental elements of the universe. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
noun-modifying (irregular)
ternary
Chemistry term for a compound or system consisting of three components. Used prenominally (e.g., 三元化合物).
In Eastern thought, 三元 can refer to heaven, earth, and man.
In old documents, 三元 can mean New Year's Day.
We are researching synthesis methods for ternary compounds.
Modern standard word for New Year's Day, replacing the archaic 三元 sense.
From Chinese 三元 (sānyuán), literally 'three origins/principles'. The specific meanings derive from traditional Chinese cosmology and calendar systems.