Kakizome (書き初め)

On January 2nd in various places of Japan, a traditional event called 書き初め (kakizome) is held.

The 書き (kaki) means "to write," the 初め (some/zome) means "beginning," and this term means "art of writing using a brush and ink for the first time in the New Year."

Originally, kakizome was a ritual held at the imperial court, but it has spread among common people since the Edo period.

Also, to begin something on January 2nd is called 事始め (kotohajime - beggining things), and it's believed that it's easy to improve what you begin on that day.

That is to say, kakizome is conducted to improve your calligraphy skill.

書き初め

日本では1月2日、「書き初め」と呼ばれる伝統行事が各地で行われます。

「書き」は "to write," 「初め」は "beginning" を意味し、「書き初め」は「年が明けて初めて毛筆で書く書のこと」を表します。

もともと書き初めは宮中で行われていた儀式でしたが、江戸時代以降は庶民にも広まりました。

また、1月2日に何かを始めることを「事始め」と良い、この日に始めたことは上達しやすいと言い伝えられてきました。

すなわち、書き初めには「書道が上達するように」という願いが込められているというわけです。

• The 書き (kaki) means "to write," the 初め (some/zome) means "beginning," and this term means "art of writing using a brush and ink for the first time in the New Year."
• The 書き (kaki) means "to write," theand 初め (some/zome) means "beginning," and: this term means "art of writing using a brush and ink for the first time in the New Year."

• Originally, kakizome was a ritual held at the imperial court, but it has spread among common people since the Edo period.
• Originally, kakizome was a ritual held at the imperial court, but it has spread among common peoplers since the Edo period.

This was very interesting to read! I didn't know about kakizome!