Collectively known as osechi ryori,
these dishes are served generally on the first three days
of January, usually at breakfast, when the whole family
is together. Tradition has it that they will bring good
health to all throughout the year. This cuisine is beautifully
arranged in tiered lacquered boxes called jubako.
The name of each osechi food has a fortuitous meaning.
For example:
Kazunoko (herring roe) symbolizes prosperity
for one's descendents because this delicacy consists of
many eggs.
Kuromame (black boiled beans) symbolizes
being hardworking or industrious.
Gomame (small dried sardines) symbolizes
a bumper crop or rich harvest.
Kobumaki (rolled seaweed) symbolizes pleasure
or delight.
Ebi (prawn) symbolizes a wish for long life.
Another New Year's favorite is ozoni, a soup containing
sticky rice dumplings (Omochi). Every area has
its own recipe. People from the Kanto district, for example,
like the soup seasoned with soy and square rice dumplings,
while people from the Kansai district prefer soup made
with miso (fermented bean soy paste) and round
rice dumplings. |
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