It was the late 19th century when the solar calendar was introduced to Japan from Western countries for the first time. Until then, the old calendar known as the lunisolar calendar was officially used.
Each month has another name with different meanings in the old calendar. The kanji used in those names represents the meaning, which gives people a clue to guess the origin of its name. They are still occasionally used in daily situations, and it will be helpful and fun to learn the Japanese name of the month
In the old Japanese lunar calendar, the month of August is called Hazuki.
Hazuki is commonly understood as a month of falling leaves.
When summer ends, the leaves (“葉/Ha” in Japanese) turn to a different color and start to fall, getting ready for the next season: fall.
As there is a slight difference in the dates between the old Japanese lunar calendar and the current solar calendar, since the old Japanese lunar calendar begins in mid-February, the eighth month - Hazuki, corresponds from mid-September to mid-October.
