noun
torch; flambeau; torchlight
A traditional torch made from pine, bamboo, reed, or similar materials, often used in festivals, processions, or historical contexts. The reading しょうめい is rare and literary.
夜の祭りでは、松明を持って練り歩いた。
At the night festival, we paraded around holding torches.
松明の火が暗い道を照らした。
The torchlight illuminated the dark path.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji 松明 might be unfamiliar.
Rarely used kanji form.
The kanji 松 (pine) and 明 (bright) reflect the traditional material and function. The reading たいまつ is a jukujikun (special kanji reading) whose exact derivation is uncertain, but it may be related to 焚き松 (burning pine).