torch; flambeau; torchlight
A traditional torch made from pine, bamboo, reed, or similar materials, often used in festivals, processions, or historical contexts. The reading しょうめい is rare and literary.
夜の祭りでは、松明を持って練り歩いた。
At the night festival, we paraded around holding torches.
松明の火が暗い道を照らした。
The torchlight illuminated the dark path.
bee balm; Oswego tea; bergamot
Standard kanji spelling for the common reading たいまつ.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji 松明 might be unfamiliar.
Rarely used kanji form.
Probably developed by sound change from たきまつ, “burning pine,” referring to a torch made with resinous pine. 松明 and 炬火 are conventional spellings.