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Osechi-ryōri (御節料理 or お節料理) are traditional Japanese New Year foods. The tradition started in the Heian Period (794-1185). ''Osechi'' are easily recognizable by their special boxes called ''jūbako'' (重箱), which resemble ''bentō'' boxes. Like ''bentō'' boxes, ''jūbako'' are often kept stacked before and after use. ==Examples of osechi dishes== The dishes that make up ''osechi'' each have a special meaning celebrating the New Year. Some examples are: *''Daidai'' (橙), Japanese bitter orange. ''Daidai'' means "from generation to generation" when written in different kanji as 代々. Like ''kazunoko'' below, it symbolizes a wish for children in the New Year. *''Datemaki'' (伊達巻 or 伊達巻き), sweet rolled omelette mixed with fish paste or mashed shrimp. They symbolize a wish for many auspicious days. On auspicious days (晴れの日, ''hare-no-hi''), Japanese people traditionally wear fine clothing as a part of enjoying themselves. One of the meanings associated with the second kanji includes "fashionability," derived from the illustrious dress of the samurai from Date Han. *''Kamaboko'' (蒲鉾), broiled fish cake. Traditionally, slices of red and white ''kamaboko'' are alternated in rows or arranged in a pattern. The color and shape are reminiscent of Japan rising sun, and have a celebratory, festive meaning. *''Kazunoko'' (数の子), herring roe. ''Kazu'' means "number" and ''ko'' means "child." It symbolizes a wish to be gifted with numerous children in the New Year. *''Konbu'' (昆布), a kind of seaweed. It is associated with the word ''yorokobu'', meaning "joy." *''Kuro-mame'' (黒豆), black soybeans. ''Mame'' also means "health," symbolizing a wish for health in the New Year. *''Kohaku-namasu'' (紅白なます), literally "red-white vegetable kuai," is made of daikon and carrot cut into thin strips and pickled in sweetened vinegar with yuzu flavor. *''Tai'' (鯛), red sea-bream. ''Tai'' is associated with the Japanese word ''medetai'', symbolizing an auspicious event. *''Tazukuri'' (田作り), dried sardines cooked in soy sauce. The literal meaning of the kanji in ''tazukuri'' is "rice paddy maker," as the fish were used historically to fertilize rice fields. The symbolism is of an abundant harvest. *''Zōni'' (雑煮), a soup of mochi rice cakes in clear broth (in eastern Japan) or miso broth (in western Japan). *''Ebi'' (エビ), skewered prawns cooked with sake and soy sauce. It symbolizes a wish for a long-life, suggesting long beard and bent waist. *''Nishiki tamago'' (錦卵), egg roulade; the egg is separated before cooking, yellow symbolizing gold, and white symbolizing silver, both of these together symbolising wealth and good fortune. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Osechi」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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