松まつの内うち

noun

New Year's Week; matsu-no-uchi period

Refers to the first days of the New Year when traditional decorations (kadomatsu) are displayed. The exact dates vary by region: typically January 1–7 in eastern Japan (Kantō) and January 1–15 in western Japan (Kansai).

• 松まつの内うちが明あける前まえに、年ねん賀が状じょうの返へん事じを書かかなければ。

  I must write replies to New Year's cards before the matsu-no-uchi period ends.

• 関かん西さいでは松まつの内うちは十じゅう五ご日にちまでです。

  In Kansai, matsu-no-uchi lasts until the 15th.