[Sexual Trivia] Are there other terms for 'Hime-zome' (first sexual encounter of the year)? [Regional/Overseas]

When people hear 'Hime-zome' today, it is commonly understood as the first sexual act of the new year. In this article, I will introduce

the origins of 'Hime-zome', similar expressions from across Japan, and even expressions from overseas as trivia♪

Hello, I am Kiyotaka Sato, Representative Director of the NPO SAYi ☺

[What is the original meaning of 'Hime-zome'?]

The roots of the word 'Hime-zome' lie in court ceremonies of the Heian period.
It referred to 'hime' (women) dressing in formal attire at the start of the new year to perform greetings or rituals. At the time, it certainly did not mean
sexual intercourse, but was a highly formal event.

However, due to the slang culture that emerged after the Edo period, it came to refer to 'the first sexual act of the new year'.

[Expressions similar to 'Hime-zome' across Japan]

There are several expressions similar to 'Hime-zome' in dialects and customs throughout Japan! These terms denote the first intimate moments of the new year or represent the bonds between spouses or lovers.

1. Meoto-zome (Spousal Beginning) / Kansai Region

This refers to the act of deepening the bond between spouses at the start of the new year. It has a nuance that includes not just sexual intercourse, but
all actions that connect hearts. →
It's wonderful to perform actions filled with the sentiment of 'I look forward to another year with you' ☺

2. Yo-mukae (Welcoming the Night) / Kyushu Region

While welcoming the night, this term indicates spouses or lovers spending special time together. It has a
romantic ring to it, doesn't it! ✨

3. Hatsu-musubi (First Knot) / Tohoku Region

Tying love or bonds is the meaning, a term to celebrate creating a special connection in the new year. You can feel a deep sense of affection.

4. Hatsu-ai (First Meeting) / Hokuriku Region

This refers to the time spent by lovers or spouses meeting for the first time in the new year. It is an old-fashioned and elegant term. → The sound of the word is very
refined and lovely ✨

[Are there similar expressions overseas?]

Overseas, there are also expressions and cultures that symbolize special intimate times in the new year. However, these do not
necessarily indicate sexual intercourse directly, and are often implied by the context.

1. First Kiss of the Year
(First kiss of the new year / USA, UK)

Sharing a "first kiss" as the new year countdown ends is a romantic custom in English-speaking countries. It is considered an act that brings good luck.→ "First kiss"—that sounds so dramatic, doesn't it?💕

2. Sul Rhoshan (New Light / Iran, Persian culture)

→ "Sharing the light" is such a poetic and lovely expression, isn't it?✨

3. Midnight Love (English-speaking countries)

This refers to spending special time together from New Year's Eve into the New Year. It evokes an image of spending intimate time in a romantic atmosphere.

4. Primul Pas (First Step / Romania)

In Romania, the first action of the new year is given special meaning. Sharing the "first step" as a couple symbolizes love and good fortune.

5. Neujahrsliebe (New Year's Love / Germany)

This means "New Year's love" in German. It refers to acts or time spent deepening love at the start of the new year.→ It's a simple yet warm and lovely expression.✨

[Summary]

Beyond Japan's "Hime-hajime," there are many terms in various regions and international cultures that give special meaning to the first act of the new year.
Each of these terms shares the common theme of "celebrating the new year with love," and they are all quite romantic, aren't they?♪I hope you all have a wonderful year of nurturing love.✨

[Author: Kiyotaka Sato, Representative Director, NPO SAYi]

・Graduate of the University of London, UK / Former diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Internationally certified massage therapist / Established the organization in 2023

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