noun
welcome rain; beneficial rain; blessed rain
Literary or somewhat formal term for rain that falls after a dry spell, seen as a blessing or relief. Often used in poetic, religious, or figurative contexts.
長い干ばつの後、慈雨が大地を潤した。
After a long drought, the welcome rain moistened the earth.
この恵みの慈雨に感謝します。
I am grateful for this blessed rain.
Compound of 慈 (mercy, affection) and 雨 (rain). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination conveys the idea of merciful or compassionate rain.