December / Juunigatsu, Shiwasu

kanji meanings :

• Juu = ten, the tenth.
  


• Ni = two, the second.
  


• Juu-ni = twelve, the twelfth.
  


• Gatsu = a month, the moon (= Tsuki).

Another name from old times in December.
As for the origin of this word meanings, the most famous theory is "The month where Buddhist priest runs busily".

Another theory is "The month of the year-end" = "Toshi-hatsu-dzuki".
("Ha(-tsu)" = "Ha(-teru)" = end, come to an end, die. )
"Toshi-hatsu-dzuki" --> "Shi-hatu-dzuki" --> "ShiHatsu" --> "Shiwasu" .

• Shi = a teacher, a master.
  


• Wasu = Hashi(-ru) = run, move, drive, sail.