also: どようのうしのひ
midsummer day of the ox
Refers to the day of the ox during the midsummer 'doyo' period, traditionally associated with eating eel to beat the summer heat. Often used in the context of the custom of eating unagi.
See also: 土用の丑の日
This year's midsummer day of the ox is July 30th.
There is a custom of eating eel on the midsummer day of the ox.
Refers to the 18-day period before the start of each season; 土用丑の日 specifically picks out the day of the ox within the summer doyo period.
A day of the ox in the Chinese zodiac cycle; 土用丑の日 is the ox day that falls during the summer doyo period.
Standard kanji spelling for this seasonal expression.
Variant with の after 土用, also common; Cross-referenced with this form.
Compound of 土用 (doyo, the seasonal transition period) + 丑の日 (ushi no hi, day of the ox). The custom of eating eel on this day is said to have been promoted in the Edo period.