|
|
Two types of special Japanese dishes in January.
- Traditional festive food for the New Year's day at home: Osechi
- Course dishes at restaurant: Kaiseki Ryori
Osechi
 |
In the New Year's season, we have prayed to the gods and offered them osechi since ancient times. We pack the food into three stacked boxes. We prepare more than 20 kinds of food, and their names are related to health, happiness, and prosperity for our descendants. |
Herring roe - Prosperity for our descendants Dried young anchovies - Long ago they were put into rice fields as fertilizer, and we had a good harvest as a result. Prawn -It reminds us of an old man bent almost double with age, so we can imagine a long life. Mashed sweet potatoes with chestnuts - Its color reminds us of gold. Boiled fish pastes - Their half circle shape reminds us of the rising sun. |
 |
 |
Radish and carrot seasoned in vinegar in a Chinese lemon rind -Their red and white colors are used for celebrations, and lemon's yellow color protects us from evils Grilled yellowtail - This fish has different names as it grows larger, so it reminds us of promotions. |
Arrowhead - It has a long bud, after budding it will go to seed. Taro root with eight heads - This taro is very big and looks like it has eight heads, so it reminds us of a leader in the society. |
 |
 |
The Japanese were originally an agricultural people. However, the situation has largely changed and we cook osechi less often than before. Even so, a New Year's Day is still the biggest event of the year. Family and relatives get together to celebrate their health and happiness. When they eat osechi together, they feel New Year's Day is a special day . |
|
|