last snows; snow around the Buddha's nirvana anniversary
A seasonal word (kigo) for late winter or early spring, referring to snow that falls or remains around the time of the Buddha's death anniversary (Nehan-e, February 15). Often used in haiku and traditional poetry.
See also: 雪の果て (ゆきのはて)
The last snows quietly covered the temple grounds.
In haiku, 'nehan-yuki' is used as a spring seasonal word.
Compound of 涅槃 (nehan, 'nirvana', referring to the Buddha's death) and 雪 (yuki, 'snow'). The term is associated with the Nehan-e memorial service on February 15, around which time the last snows of the season often occur.