庚こう申しん待まち

noun

kōshin-machi; all-night vigil on the eve of Kōshin day

A historical Buddhist practice of staying awake all night on the eve of the 57th day of the sexagenary cycle to prevent the three worms (三尸) from reporting one's sins to the gods. Originated among Heian nobility and became widespread in the Edo period.

See also: 三尸

• 庚こう申しん待まちは、平へい安あん時じ代だいの貴き族ぞくの間あいだで始はじまった風ふう習しゅうだ。

  Kōshin-machi is a custom that began among the nobility of the Heian period.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だいには、庚こう申しん待まちが庶しょ民みんにも広ひろまった。

  During the Edo period, kōshin-machi spread among the common people as well.