also: おおどし
Archaic term for New Year's Eve, equivalent to modern 大晦日 (おおみそか). Found in classical literature and historical contexts.
See also: 大晦日
In old documents, 大年 is used with the same meaning as 大晦日 (New Year's Eve).
Archaic name for the planet Jupiter, used in historical astronomical or astrological contexts. Modern Japanese uses 木星 (もくせい).
See also: 太歳 (たいさい)
In Edo-period astronomy books, 大年 sometimes refers to the planet Jupiter.
guardian deity of grain farming and rice harvest
Archaic kanji form for New Year's Eve; also used for the planet Jupiter in historical contexts.
Alternate archaic kanji form for New Year's Eve; also used for Jupiter in historical contexts.
Alternate reading; archaic and rarely encountered.
The historical derivation is uncertain. The kanji 大 (big) and 年 (year) or 歳 (year) may reflect the importance of the year's end or the planet's significance in ancient astrology.