Osechi is the traditional meal only prepared for New Year.
All of the ingredients in Osechi has well-meaning.
Because Osechi is eaten to pray for good health and great harvest for year.
People believed that a god dwells in all natural things.
For that reason, we believe a god live in the kitchen.
Osechi was made to rest 3days in oshogatu (New Year).
Followings are the meaning of some of the major side dishes in Osechi.
Kuromame (Black beans)
Black beans are eaten for getting rid of satan, and working with diligence.
It has sweet taste.
Ebi (Shrimp)
Because the shape of the shrimp is like an old man, people eat them to pray for longevity.
Kurikinton (Mashed sweet potatoes with sweetened chestnuts)
The kurikinton raises money luck.
Datemaki (Omelet)
The sweet omelet is one of the ingredients in Osechi to wish to improve knowledge.
Kouhaku-namasu (Pickled carrot and raddish)
Meaning is peace.
Kamaboko (Fish Cake)
Fish cake’s color of Osechi are red and white.
The symbol is sunrise.
Red represents happiness or happy events. Also a talisman against evil influence.
White represents dignity.
There are 20 to 30 kinds of side dishes in Osechi.
Different types of dishes are made depending on the area of Japan.
You can buy some of the cooked ingredients at the grocery stores and online store.