【Japanese Culture】The Meaning Behind Osechi Ryori: Traditional New Year’s Food in Japan soranews24.com

There are many New Year’s traditions in Japan, but the most delicious tradition is the eating of osechi ryori, special food eaten to give thanks and wish for happiness and prosperity in the new year.
Osechi ryori is characterized by an array of colorful dishes packed together in special boxes called jubako, which are eaten communally on New Year’s Day.
Since New Year’s is a time for rest in Japan (according to tradition, nothing should be cooked on New Year’s Day), preparation of osechi ryori is typically finished before New Year’s Eve.
Osechi ryori is arguably the most important meal of the year, each dish serving as a symbol or wish for the coming year.
Let’s take a look at the meanings behind some of the traditional osechi ryori foods.