refraining from New Year's greetings during mourning
A formal expression used in written notices (e.g., on postcards) to inform others that one will not send New Year's greetings due to a family bereavement. Commonly seen on 喪中はがき (mourning postcards).
Due to mourning, I will refrain from sending New Year's cards.
I received a mourning notice postcard.
Refers to the period of mourning itself, while 喪中欠礼 is the specific act or notice of refraining from New Year's greetings during that period.
New Year's greeting cards; 喪中欠礼 is the practice of not sending these due to mourning.
Compound of 喪中 (mourning period) and 欠礼 (omission of greetings). A set phrase used in formal correspondence.