In our region, on New Year’s Eve, we typically eat lentils that resemble coins, money, while in Japan, people enjoy mame beans on New Year’s Eve and making resolution to be honest and hardworking. The word mame – beans, has a synonym and is an abbreviation of the word majime – to be honest and work well. “Anata mame desu ne.” This means praise: “You are a hard worker! That is great!” In Japan, everyone desires such praise. To be popular and feel good – what more could you wish for! Mame also means a wish for good health. So I think it is best to eat both lentils and beans, but probably beans in huge quantity and good quality. Both lentils and beans are legumes and surely we will legally benefit from both!
Now what else must not be missing in a proper osechi ryouri? Surly a dish reminding about the sun, because without days illuminated by light, we would be unhappy. Sun is represented by a beautifully rolled yellow datemaki roll. It is a little sweet, because even the sun’s rays are nicely sweet with their touch. It contains egg, white fish and shrimp. Another important osechi dish is the already mentioned mame – beans. Usually they are so called kuromame, means black mame. The black color may be discouraging, but when it comes to health, a lot is acceptable. Kuromame is cooked for a long time and in addition to good cane sugar, a very rusty nail is added to the pot when boiling. Probably so that we are not anemic. Kombu seaweed also promises us good health. It is quite firm. In this dish usually tuna is rolled in as kombumaki and together it tastes delicious! Kombumaki is cooked in dashi so that the food contains as much umami flavor as possible. Good flavors for good well-being. And then there is the tai fish as yakizakana, which is supposed to bring us luck. It can be any other white fish of similar qualities, what is important is that we think about good luck and happiness when we eat it. We are to wish and hope for something truly nice. Something what is omedetai. Celebration! That is why tai fish has preference. I remember with what joy I pronounced a similar word as tai, the word “omedeta” – that was when I was expecting my baby. Omedeta, omedetai is something that is sincerely joyful. Almost naively joyful, when a person becomes short of breath. Do you see it – a piece of skillfully grilled fish tai and in our image we are blessed. Another osechi dish will also help us celebrate happily this special time of the year – kouhaku namasu. It is made from carrot and white radish, but more than the types of vegetables, what matters it their color. Their red and white colors are supposed to appeal to us. Aka – shiro. Red and white. This pair, depicted in the Japanese flag, represents a strong motivation. National and personal. White is purity. Blessing. Spirituality. Red is love. Strong emotions, energy. Enthusiasm. Osechi should also include roe, preferably kazunoko from herring, because just the word kazu points to a large number of fish children. And if fish, then also in the life of people. Love each other and multiply! We have it in Bible, right? In a similar mode of multiplying what should not be missing is small fish called tatsukuri. They symbolize abundance because they swim in crowd. Among the osechi delicacies you will also find shrimp. What do they promise? You will be surprised – old age. Longevity. So that we are not afraid of wrincles. The main thing is that we live long and joyfully in pink. Osechi ryori also includes dishes that are very luxurious and exotic, such as lobster. And if lobster, then whole and even with claws. During the elegant New Year’s hatsugama celebration, the host will ceremoniously bring to the guests in the room this giant sea crustacean in front of you in all its size and beauty. Everyone admires it loudly. All are amazed. Yes, admiring in awe is also very good for life!
So when we eat our osechi this year, let’s remember the sun, love, warmth, happiness, secrets, health, abundance and offspring. For all of this to happen, we have to contribute. We are to be mame – honest and hard working!
Japanese housewives put all these dishes close together in beautiful boxes or on trays and then put them in the middle of the table so that everyone can take what they like. It brings the diners around the table together. And what is important, that way when all is ready also the hostess herself can also participate in the feast. Most of the dishes are prepared before the New Year so that there is no need to cook for the first three days of the year. The stove is turned off. The only thing that needs to be heated is the soup, which is called Ozouni. It has a regional flavor using different ingredience, but it always contains mochi rice cake. This is because rice is the most basic food for the Japanese. It is a gift from Gods. Over Ozouni soup, people give thanks for existing and being able to be with their loved ones. Ozouni is the soup of gratitude. Thanksgiving.
The beginning of the new year is the most important time in Japan. It is called Oshougatsu. After the midnight ringing of bells, which ring and drive away human sins – there are 108 of them – people say final goodbye to the old year. They come in whole families to pay homage to the deities of the nearest shrines. They drink a sweet rice drink called amazake. It is also from rice. Strengthened and uplifted, they return to their homes, marked on the door with a straight pine branch with white and red decorations. Aka-shiro. Osechi is cooked, all you have to do is sit down and eat. The feast lasts three days, but often until the seventh day of the first month. Offices, shops, services … everything is closed for several days. A complete lockdown. But it is a dream lockdown. Festive. Nice. People eat, visit each other and greet each other and are happy. And then on the seventh day of the new year, people end their feasting with a completely dietary meal, which is boiled rice with seven herbs. Nanakusagayu. Finally, after abundancy, the temperance is celebrated – a beautiful virtue. Isn’t that nice?
There are many other customs associated with the New Year that are worth getting to know. If you ever go to Japan, I highly recommend going during these Oshougast holidays and their preparation time. On New Year’s Eve, there are no fireworks or firecrackers. There are no drunks or broken bottles on the streets. Japanese Oshougatsu are holidays of peace, tranquility and friendship, similar to our Christmas.
So dear friends, let us greet each other with “Akemashite omededou gozaimasu! It has come, New Year is here, so let us rejoice and receive blessings!” Allow me to add a little piece of advice to this wish of Okemashite: Let us reflect on legumes and be mame! Honest and hard working so that we are happy and live in good health and wealth!
Your Miyabi Darja!
Osechi will make you happy! However, you need to order our collection and pay the deposit in advance HERE, no later than 29 December. You can choose one of two pickup dates, 31.12.2024 after 3 pm or 1.1.2025 after 3 pm.
