n. [ L. Januarius, fr. Janus an old Latin deity, the god of the sun and the year, to whom the month of January was sacred; cf. janua a door, Skr. yā to go. ] The first month of the year, containing thirty-one days. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Before the adoption of New Style, the commencement of the year was usually reckoned from March 25. [ 1913 Webster ]
[かがみびらき, kagamibiraki](n) (1) cutting the New Year's rice cake (January 11th); (2) traditional breaking of a sake cask at weddings, receptions, etc.[Add to Longdo]
[かがみもち, kagamimochi](n) mirror-shaped mochi, usu. a pair stacked in order of size with a daidai on top, used as a New Year offering, then cut and eaten on January 11.[Add to Longdo]