書き初め
Meanings
1
first calligraphy of the year
A traditional New Year's activity, often done on January 2nd, where people write auspicious words or poems with a brush.
It's my annual custom to do the first calligraphy of the year during the New Year's holiday.
The children wrote the character for 'hope' in their first calligraphy of the year.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が書き初めをするfor someone to do the New Year's first calligraphy
Every year, my family does the New Year's first calligraphy on January 1st.
- 書き初め大会New Year's calligraphy contest/event
A New Year's calligraphy contest was held at the elementary school.
- 書き初めの宿題New Year's calligraphy homework (assigned over winter break)
We were given New Year's calligraphy homework over winter break.