炉ろ開びらき

noun

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

• 茶さ道どうでは十じゅう一いち月がつに炉ろ開びらきの茶ちゃ会かいが開ひらかれる。

  In tea ceremony, a tea gathering for the opening of the winter hearth is held in November.

• 今年ことしの炉ろ開びらきは少すこし早はやめて、十じゅう月がつの末すえに行おこなった。

  This year we opened the hearth a little early, at the end of October.