旧暦（きゅうれき、kyuureki）
- lunar calendar

The Japanese word 旧暦旧暦 (きゅうれき, *kyūreki*) refers to the traditional Japanese calendar, which was based on the lunar cycle. Specifically, it's the calendar that Japan used before adopting the Gregorian calendar (the modern, solar-based calendar) in 1873. Therefore, 旧暦旧暦 is the "old calendar". It is important to remember that it is not the same as the Chinese Lunar calendar or other lunar calendars, although there are similarities. It’s also often referred to as the "lunar calendar" (月暦, *gekireki*), but the term 旧暦旧暦 is more precise when referring to the Japanese historical context. It is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it takes into account both the moon's phases and the sun's position. This meant that extra months were added periodically to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. The 旧暦旧暦 had significant cultural importance, especially regarding festivals, agricultural practices, and religious observances.

⚫︎ 旧暦旧暦では、お正月は春に祝われます。 Translation: In the old calendar, New Year is celebrated in spring. ⚫︎ 旧暦旧暦の行事は、今も地域によっては大切にされています。 Translation: Events based on the old calendar are still important in some regions.

You would use 旧暦旧暦 when discussing historical events, cultural practices, or festivals that were observed before 1873, or are still based on the lunar calendar system. It is also used when comparing these old practices to modern ones. Be aware that most modern Japanese calendars and life is based on the Gregorian calendar.

⚫︎ The word 旧暦旧暦 is written in kanji as 旧暦旧暦 (きゅうれき). ⚫︎ The reading, in hiragana, is きゅうれき. ⚫︎ There are no variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎ 月の暦 (*tsuki no koyomi*) - "Moon calendar" ⚫︎ 太陰暦 (*tain'inreki*) - "Lunar calendar"

⚫︎ 新暦 (*shinreki*) - "New calendar" (referring to the Gregorian calendar) ⚫︎ 太陽暦 (*taiyōreki*) - "Solar calendar" (the Gregorian calendar)

旧暦旧暦の七夕は、現在の七夕とは少し日付が違います。 ・Translation: The Tanabata festival in the old calendar has a slightly different date than the current Tanabata. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the difference in dates between events celebrated using the 旧暦旧暦 and those using the Gregorian calendar.

旧暦旧暦の行事であるお盆は、地域によって時期が異なります。 ・Translation: The Obon festival, an event based on the old calendar, has different dates depending on the region. ・Explanation: This sentence shows that even though Obon is a tradition rooted in the 旧暦旧暦, its specific timing can vary.

The word 旧暦旧暦 is a combination of two kanji: 旧旧 (*kyū*), meaning "old" or "former," and 暦暦 (*reki*), meaning "calendar" or "almanac." Therefore, 旧暦旧暦 literally means "old calendar."