初はつ鳩ばと

noun

first pigeon of the New Year

A seasonal word (kigo) for the New Year, referring to a pigeon seen on the morning of New Year's Day, often while visiting a shrine or temple. Used in haiku and traditional contexts.

• 初はつ鳩ばとを見みて、今年ことしも平へい和わな一いち年ねんになるようにと願ねがった。

  Seeing the first pigeon of the New Year, I wished for another peaceful year.