香典

• 読み: こうでん
• ローマ字: ouden
• 漢字の分解: 香 (kou) — incense, fragrance; 典 (ten) — ceremony, rite
• 発音: /ko.ː.de.ɴ/

意味

Condolence gift; funeral offering; incense money. Cash given in a special envelope to bereaved families to help cover funeral expenses.

A deeply rooted Japanese funeral custom in which mourners bring cash in a special black-and-silver envelope (不祝儀袋, bushugibukuro). The amount varies depending on the relationship to the deceased. The name derives from the practice of offering incense (香, kou) in lieu of a gift. Strict etiquette governs the amount, envelope style, and the use of old banknotes — fresh notes are considered inappropriate as they suggest advance preparation.

例文

1. 同僚の父親が亡くなったため、有志を募って香典をまとめることになった。
2. 香典の金額は故人との関係や自分の年齢によって変わるのが一般的だ。
3. 香典返しとして、当家から丁寧な挨拶状と品物が届いた。

使い方ガイド

場面: funerals, bereavement, social customs, etiquette

トーン: solemn

起源と歴史

Derived from the Buddhist practice of offering incense (香, kou) at funerals. 典 originally referred to a ceremony or rite. Over time, cash replaced incense as the practical offering, but the traditional name was retained.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional–Modern

世代: Adults

社会的背景: Universal