Osechi: A Japanese New Year Traditional Food 

I like New Year’s Day because I get to meet my uncle, cousins , aunt and grandparents.

And we always eat Osechi (御節) which is a bunch of Japanese dishes eaten together to welcome the new year!

There are nine dishes in all!

1. Lotus root is eaten because Japanese people believe that we can see a good future from the holes.
2. Chikuzenni is a root vegetable so it signifies a strong foundation and self-belief.
3. Kobumaki stands for Happiness.In Japanese “Yorokobu”means to be happy and it sounds like “Yorokobu” in “Konbumaki”.Its a play on words.
4. Kamaboko is made from fish and is always red and white in color.In Japanese culture red (pink) and white are lucky colors.
5. Tatsukuri is little fish seasoned with sugar, soy sauce, salt and Japanese liquor.They represent a good harvest.
6. Kurikinton are sweet chestnuts.The “Kin”means gold in Japanese so eating them on New Year’s Day brings good fortune.
7. Namasu is a salad made with fish, carrots and radish. It represents peace.
8. Black beans stand for strength and health.
9. Kazunoko is herring roe adults like it but I don’t like it. I think it smells funny, but it symbolizes having children and a growing family.

My favorite Osechi is Black beans because they are sweet and easy to make.

Which is your favorite Osechi?