The new year is coming up which means that supermarkets and department stores will start to crowd with families preparing for their new year's meal.
If you’ve experienced New years in Japan, you would probably have seen Osechi, a traditional Japanese new year’s food. This food is recognizable by its special and unique bento-like boxes called a Jubako, which are usually stacked in two to four layers.
The tradition of eating Osechi-ryori started in the Heian period. They are usually eaten at home with individual families on New Year's day for a family’s prosperity and luck for the new year. This is because each individual food in the jubako is a symbol that represents different fortunes. Therefore when eaten, it is believed to spread luck and joy.
Here are some of the basic dishes that are included in osechi ryori and their symbolic meanings.
Kuro-mame(Black bean):
The word Mame(Bean) is known to represent health, well-being, and vigor in Japanese. It is believed to bring productivity in the new year.
Konbu-maki(Kelp roll):
The word kelp in Japanese, Konbu, is associated with the word Yorokobu which means to be happy. This dish is believed to bring happiness to the new year.
Kurikinton(Sweet chestnut paste):
The almost golden color of this paste represents golden treasures, bringing wealth and fortune into the new year.
Kazunoko(Herring-roe):
Kazunoko is an egg from a herring or nishin in Japanese. The word nishin can be associated with the word two-parents. The many roes are a symbol for parents to have abundant children.
Tazukuri(Candied dried sardines):
Tazukuri were used as fertilizers from farmers in the past, therefore representing plenty of harvest for the new year.
Date-maki(Rolled omelet):
The rolled shape of the date-maki is similar to a scroll, which was often used in the Edo time period. The scroll represents academic achievement and development in knowledge.
Kouhaku kamaboko(Red and white fish-paste cake):
The half-circle shape of the kamaboko symbolizes the rising sun. The color red represents happiness and joy and white represents purity.
Ebi(Shrimp):
The curved shape of the ebi is similar to a curved back that develops with old age. It is wished that eating the shrimp will lead to a long and healthy life.
If you are in Japan for New years day, definitely make sure to try any of these dishes or even a full Osechi meal for the full Japanese culture experience! Have a happy new year!
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