opening the winter hearth
A traditional seasonal event, especially in tea ceremony, marking the first use of the sunken hearth (炉) in early winter. Also used more generally for the first lighting of a hearth or fireplace for the cold season. Compare 炉塞ぎ (closing the hearth in spring).
See also: 炉塞ぎ
In tea ceremony, a tea gathering for the opening of the winter hearth is held in November.
This year we opened the hearth a little early, at the end of October.
Compound of 炉 (hearth) and 開き (opening), from the verb 開く (to open).