In more ancient times, names for months did not follow the Chinese model of simple numbering; each month had a distinct name related to agriculture and the seasons. However, in modern times, even before the Meiji Restoration and consequent adoption of the Gregorian system, months were numbered sequentially [note the Kanji (Chinese Character) for moon is used for "month"]:
- Click on the image to view full version.
*People believed that in NanaTsuki (October), all the gods and deities gathered at Izumo Shrine (near modern Matsue in Shimane Prefecture). In a sense, for other Prefectures, it was a “Month of No Gods”.
Source:
http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/calendar.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_months
