硯すずり洗あらい

noun

inkstone-washing event before Tanabata

A traditional custom where schoolchildren wash their inkstones, brushes, and desks the night before Tanabata (July 7th) to pray for academic success. Rare term; mostly known in historical or regional contexts.

See also: 七夕

• 七夕たなばたの前ぜん夜や、子こどもたちは硯すずり洗あらいをして学がく業ぎょう成じょう就じゅを祈いのった。

  On the night before Tanabata, children performed the inkstone-washing ritual to pray for success in their studies.