Kisaragi

Kisaragi is a Japanese term with several uses in language and culture. In the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar, Kisaragi (如月) is the second month and corresponds roughly to February. It appears in classical poetry, literature, and historical documents as part of the set of old month names that were used before the modern Gregorian calendar was adopted for civil purposes.

The standard writing for the month is 如月. The second character 月 means month or moon, while 如 conveys likeness or approximation; together they function as a month name rather than a literal phrase. The exact interpretation of the first character in this context is historical and not tied to a single, simple meaning. The name has endured in cultural usage as part of traditional timekeeping.

Beyond calendrical use, Kisaragi is also employed as a Japanese given name and surname. It appears in fiction, anime, manga, and other media as a character name, reflecting its aesthetic qualities and associations with February in traditional culture. In such contexts, the name does not necessarily convey a specific meaning beyond its cultural resonance, but it can evoke themes related to winter and renewal associated with early spring.

In summary, Kisaragi primarily denotes February in the old Japanese calendar, while also functioning as a personal name with presence in real life and fictional contexts.