Osechi Ryori – New Year’s “Banquet” in Japan

Osechi Ryori おせち料理 is the traditional food enjoyed on New Year’s Day in Japan. They come in a variety of colorful foods in special boxes called jubako 樹箱. Considered the most important meal of the year, each food in this traditional banquet has a special meaning to welcome the New Year.

The presentation of Osechi Ryori is similar to bento boxes and it is usually packed in 2 or 3 layers of lacquer boxes with the different foods also placed in proper order on each layer and one box is served to each party member. Filling the boxes with five, seven, and nine different types of food is said to award a particular fortune, as they are considered lucky numbers. The various levels of the boxes symbolize the hope that happiness and wealth will continually come.

The tradition of eating Osechi began in the Heian period (794-1185) This traditional side dish is consumed during the first three days of the New Year and since the practice of eating Osechi began before refrigeration existed, it contains foods that can be preserved , eat at room temperature and preserve for several days in sugar, soy sauce and mirin (a type of rice wine used for cooking) as well as foods cured in salt or vinegar. In addition, with the cold of winter, it is easy to keep them in a place where there are no changes in temperature to prevent them from spoiling.

Osechi boxes used to have five layers, however, now it has become more common to find three layers. The variety of foods can change depending on the family or the establishment where these banquets are purchased, although the foods that are most common in osechi are:

・Shiitake : Shiitake mushrooms are reminiscent of the caps worn by Japanese soldiers in battle long ago. They are included as a wish for health and wellness.

・Nejiri Konnyaku – Due to this food’s resemblance to rope, it is a symbol of the rope used by samurai when preparing for battle. It means taking the reins in a symbolic way and, as such, the cultivation of the mind.

・Kobumaki – It is a seaweed roll with herring. His name is also a pun on the Japanese verb “yorokobu”, meaning “to rejoice” and thus a good luck charm.

・Ebi – Shrimp or Prawns. The long “beard” and bent “waist” of this shellfish illustrates old age and a long life.

・Renkon – Lotus root. The many holes in this vegetable symbolize seeing hope in the future.

・Kazunoko , herring roe. Kazu is interpreted as “number” and ko means “child”. It symbolizes the desire to have many children in the New Year.

・Kohaku Kamaboko – Fish Paste Cake. Red represents an amulet since it is a good omen color, while white expresses purity and holiness. The combination of both colors brings good luck and happiness. The shape of the dome also represents the rising sun.

・Datemaki伊達巻 – Sweet omelette rolled with fish paste. It resembles a scroll and therefore symbolizes cultural development and school achievement.

・Kuri Kinton – Candied chestnuts mixed with sifted sweet potato, which are boiled in hot water and then macerated in syrup. This plate represents wealth and prosperity because of its golden color.

・ Kuro-mame – black soybeans. Mame also means “health” which symbolizes the wish for health in the New Year.

Although they are usually expensive (from 100 USD) people spare no expense as it is the first meal of the year that begins and since the beginning of November you can see in department stores, supermarkets and even online, the different packages and opportunities to set aside your osechi and receive the New Year without worrying about preparing meals while enjoying this special moment for everyone with your family and friends!

Would you like to try an Osechi ryori? What foods are traditional in the New Year in your country? Tell us in the comments!