This couple was aware of Rokuyō when they planned their wedding.
Photo Courtesy of Mizo.
Fortune Calendar (Rokuyō)
The rokuyō (six days) is a calendar that tells a fortune for each day. It was introduced from China in about the 14th century. Just as a regular calendar gives 7-day weeks starting with Sunday and ending with Saturday, rokuyō repeats a six-day week in which the days are named senkachi, tomobiki, senmake, butsumetsu, taian and shakku.
According to the rokuyō, each day has a special meaning. However, there is no agreement on what the meanings are, or on how to pronounce the names of the days. In general, taian (great serenity’) is regarded as a lucky day, suitable for a wedding. In contrast, butsumetsu (Buddha death), supposedly the day on which the Buddha died, is considered to be a bad day for a celebration such as a wedding. Funerals should be avoided on tomobiki, which literally means “pulling a friend.”
Although few people pay attention to the rokuyō these days, most people still avoid holding a wedding on butsumetsu, or a funeral on tomobiki.
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