睦 = good relationships
月 = month
The modern Japanese word for January is 一 (literally “1st Month”), however in the old-fashioned calendar this was known as 睦月, or “the month for good relationships”.
The January New Year’s period is the longest and most important holiday in the Japanese calendar. Most Japanese people visit their families with whom they (hopefully!) have good relationships.
Calligraphy by Vicky 