New years day

 

 

 

Otoso

 

a special liquer made by steeping herbs in sake to drive away evil and revive the soul

 

 

 

 

Salted herring roe

 

 

Simmered black soy beans

 

Candied dried sardines

 

 

Osechi-ryori

 

Osechi-ryori are pecially-prepared New Year's dishes to be eaten during the first three days of January. Most dishes are cooked in order to be preserved for at least three days so women don't have to cook during that period. Various kinds of dishes are set in four-tiered lacquer boxes.

 

Each of the dishes has some auspicious meaning which reflects people's wishes.

For example, Kazunoko, herring roe, represents fertility, Kuromame, cooked black beans, are for health (mame means healthy), and lobsters are for longevity because their bodies are bent like an old man's.

 

 

 

After eating and drinking a lot..