Japanese New Year: tradition and gastronomy
Japanese New Year (正月, “Shōgatsu”) is a celebration rich in tradition and symbolism, combining spirituality, festivity and gastronomy. Much more than a simple transition between two years, this period reflects the importance of purification rites, community exchanges and cultural transmission. Let's discover the key activities and culinary delights that make this a unique event.
Preparing for the New Year
In Japan, New Year festivities begin long before January 1st.
Traditional decorations
From mid-December, homes and businesses are decked out in kadomatsu (門松) and shimenawa (しめ縄) :
- Kadomatsu: decorative bamboo and pine compositions symbolizing prosperity.
- Shimenawa: sacred ropes to ward off evil spirits.
Purification ritual
Before the New Year, families undertake the Ōsōji (大掃除), a major end-of-year housecleaning. This cleaning ritual symbolizes the purification of the home to welcome the year under the best auspices.
Year-end parties
The week before New Year's Eve is marked by bōnenkai (忘年会), evenings with friends or colleagues designed to “forget the year”.New Year's Eve on December 31 is traditionally celebrated with family and friends, often accompanied by a visit to the temple at midnight (初詣, hatsumōde).
January 1st traditions
The first day of the year is a time of renewal and gratitude, punctuated by several emblematic activities:
Hatsuhinode: the first sunrise
Attending the hatsuhinode (初日出), the first sunrise of the year, is an unmissable tradition. Iconic sites such as Mount Fuji, the Shinjuku observatory and the beaches of Okinawa are crowded for the occasion.
First meal and sake
The day begins with the tasting of the first glass of sake of the year, followed by a festive meal. At the heart of this meal are osechi ryōri (おせち料理), symbolic dishes prepared especially for the occasion.
Osechi: symbols of happiness and prosperity
Origins of osechi
Osechi have their roots in the Heian period (8th-12th centuries) and are inspired by Chinese traditions. Each ingredient and dish is designed to bring happiness and good fortune for the coming year.
Presentation
Osechi are arranged in jubako (重箱), stackable boxes made of black and vermilion lacquer.
These boxes contain a variety of simmered, grilled or marinated dishes, representing the richness of the Japanese terroir.
Examples of traditional dishes
Here are a few must-haves to incorporate into your own jubako:
- Datemaki (伊達巻): white fish and egg roll seasoned with sugar and mirin, a symbol of knowledge and culture.
- Kuri Kinton (栗金団): mashed sweet potatoes and candied chestnuts, representing financial prosperity.
- Namasu (膾): pickled carrot and radish salad, with sacred red and white colors.
- Shrimp (えび): symbols of longevity, with their curved shape reminiscent of a venerable back.
- Nishime (煮しめ): vegetables simmered in a dashi broth. They include taro, shiitake, lotus root and konjac.
The Japanese New Year is a unique time of year, combining spiritual traditions, sharing and gastronomic delights. Why not draw inspiration from these customs to create your own celebration? In our store, you'll find everything you need to prepare your own osechi, including dashi broths suitable for vegan diets. Celebrate the New Year the Japanese way and bring a breath of fresh air to your table!
