Q.

What is Osechi?

a) Traditional Japanese New Years Food

b) Festive mochi (pounded rice) that has been sweetened for the Gods

c) A traditional inn where people stay specifically to enjoy and observe New Years practices with family

A.

Osechi is a Japanese traditional New Year's food. It is made to last for the whole Oshougatsu, (no supermarkets and department stores were open back then) so it tends to have a lot of sugar and vinegar in it.

Did you know that each dish has its own meaning?

kuromame ( sweet black soybeans) represents a wish to be strong and healthy
kamaboko (fish cake) resembles the first sunrise of the year
kobu-maki symbolizes happiness
kazunoko represents a wish to be blessed with children

What do you think about this culture?

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