Holidays

Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year.  The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794). The foods are easily recognizable by the special bento boxes called jūbako, often stacked for larger families or parties.  Like many places in Asia, food items included in Oshechi have special symbolic meanings and are generally standard. Of course, I am sure you can find some local variations and expressions of personal taste out there; I am willing to bet there is something involving mayonnaise that is very popular. It is Japan, after all, and tradition only goes so far. Here are some examples of dishes you might find in an osechi box at New Years’ Daidai (橙), Bitter Japanese orange. Daidai means “from generation to generation” when written in different kanji as 代々. Like kazunoko below, it symbolizes a wish for children in the New Year. [spacer height=”20px”] Datemaki (伊達巻 or 伊達巻き), sweet rolled omelet mixed with fish paste or mashed shrimp. They symbolize a wish for many auspicious days. On auspicious days (晴れの日, hare-no-hi), Japanese people traditionally wear fine clothing as a part of enjoying themselves. One of the meanings associated with…