parting party; divorce party
A gathering held to mark a separation, such as leaving a workplace or ending a marriage. The divorce-party sense is a modern, somewhat informal extension.
We held a farewell party for a colleague who was leaving the company.
These days, some people apparently throw a divorce party with friends after an amicable split.
離婚式 is a more explicit term for a divorce ceremony, whereas 離宴 can refer to any parting party, including a divorce celebration.
Standard kanji spelling for a parting party or divorce celebration.
Alternate kanji spelling using 筵 (banquet mat); less common than 離宴.
Compound of 離 (separation) and 宴 (banquet, party). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is formed from standard Sino-Japanese elements.