The Meaning of Osechi Dishes [ Does Every Ingredient Have a Meaning?

Osechi ryori ” is an indispensable part of the Japanese New Year, but do you know the meaning behind the ingredients? In this article, we would like to introduce the meaning behind Osechi ryori, which is something that Japanese people would like to know and can be a topic of conversation. image: wikipedia

Suunoko ” to pray for children and prosperity of offspring

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A herring roe is a herring roe. It is a standard ingredient loved as a symbol of the prosperity of offspring, as many offspring are produced from two parents (nishin).

tazukuri ” to pray for a bountiful harvest

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The name “tasaku” comes from the fact that the small fish were spread as fertilizer in the fields in hopes of a bountiful harvest.

Black soybeans ” for good health

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Originally, the word “mame” meant “strong and healthy. It is a wish for good health throughout the year.

Tatagobo ” for long and thin happiness

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Burdocks have long, thin, firm roots in the ground. It is a wish for a long, thin and happy life.

Datemaki ” ” a stylish dish from Nagasaki

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It is widely believed that ” Castella Kamaboko ” was introduced to Edo from Nagasaki in the Edo period (1603-1868) and came to be called ” Datemaki ” because it resembled the kimono of a date. It is also said that in the past, important documents and pictures were made into scrolls, which is why many Osechi dishes are said to be made on rolls.

Chestnut kinton ” to wish for a year of abundance and good fortune.

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This dish is likened to a golden treasure, wishing for a prosperous year. Chestnuts are said to be ” winning chestnuts ” and have always been an auspicious food.

Kohaku-kamaboko “”Red and white” is a shape that symbolizes sunrise and celebration.

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Kamaboko is said to symbolize ” sunrise ” because of its shape. Red means happiness and white means sacredness.

Kohaku Namasu “Red and white chopstick rest. Unexpected etymology “

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Namasu got its name from the fact that it was made with raw seafood, daikon radish, carrots and vinegar. Nowadays, instead of raw seafood, dried persimmons, kombu (kelp) and shredded yuzu (a type of citrus fruit) are also used.

Vinegared lotus root ” to wish for a bright future

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The lotus root is said to be found in the pond of paradise where the Buddha resides in Buddhism and is considered to be a plant without blemish. It is a food of good omen, as it has many holes in it, which means that it has good prospects for the future (foresight).

Chrysanthemum turnip ” Seasonal turnip in a festive form

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Kikka-kabu is a vinegared winter turnip cut into the shape of a chrysanthemum, a symbol of good fortune.

Shrimp ” Symbol of long life

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Shrimps have long whiskers and a bent back. It is believed to wish for a long life until the waist bends.

Buri ” to wish for success in life

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Buri is a fish that changes its name as it grows. It is a symbol of the wish for success in life.

Sea bream ” Happy!

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Sea bream is a common item at festive occasions, not limited to osechi-chi. It is loved as a good-luck charm because of its “mezetai,” or “happy day.

Kombu-maki “A must-have in Japanese cuisine, kombu is used for health and longevity “

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Kombu (kelp), which means ” joy ” in Japanese, is also used to decorate mirrors for the New Year as a good-luck talisman to bring prosperity to the family.