Japanese way to celebrate the New Year

Within just 2 weeks to go, the new year is coming. (I still can’t believe how fast the year has gone by)

We will be preparing for the big event in Japan similarly to how Christmas is celebrated in the West.

When I was in Japan, there were 3 days of events: before the new year, the new year’s day and the day after. My mum was busy in the kitchen preparing for all 3 day’s meals a week before all the shops closed. All of our family came and began appreciating the new year by eating and drinking the feast. We ate Soba (Buckwheat noodle) at the end of New Year’s Eve, which represents long life.

On New Year’s Day, we ate a special breakfast and wished for a great year ahead. We went to the local shrine and prayed for good health, safety, happiness and good harvest for the coming seasons. I would especially look forward to having free sake at the shrine. Then, we would start eating and drinking, again!

We have a traditional New Year food called “Osechi”. The tradition started in the Yoyoi period (2,300 years ago to 1,700 years ago) Osechi has many types of food in multiple layers. Each type of food has a celebratory meaning, looks beautiful and has a special flavour.

For example:

• Ebi (海老, えび), skewered prawns cooked with sake and soy sauce. It symbolizes a wish for a long-life, suggesting long beard and bent waist.

• Konbu (昆布), a type of seaweed. It is associated with the word Yorokobu meaning "joy”.

• Kamaboko (蒲鉾, かまぼこ), broiled fish cake. Traditionally, slices of red and white kamaboko are alternated in rows or arranged in a pattern. The colour and shape are reminiscent of Japan rising sun and have a celebratory, festive meaning.

• Kuromame 黒豆, くろまめ), black soybeans. Mame also means "health," symbolizing a wish for health in the New Year.

Basically, my mum was in the kitchen for all 3 days, cooking tons of food (Chirashi Sushi, Sukiyaki, hot-pot etc) to give us a great start to the new start year. (Thank you, mum, you are the champion! and I miss your food!)

I love the Japanese new year!

How about yours?