This year is now in its final month as well. Everyone is engaged in thorough cleaning to wash away the soil of the year and preparing to welcome in the new year. It’s quite a busy time. Additionally, everyone is gathering with their families and people in their regions to participate in the “mochi pounding” tradition. The completed mochi is then eaten with soup and bite-sized morsels wrapped in nori seaweed and is actually also used as a decoration for the new year called “Kagami Mochi.” Let’s talk a little more about it.
Surely, you have all seen Kagami Mochi before? It’s a New Year’s decoration with several layers of round mochi, topped with a fruit similar to a mikan orange called “daidai.” This decoration dates back to the Heian Era. Since the shape of the mochi resembles the old copper mirrors used for shrines, it has come to be known as Kagami Mochi, “kagami” being the Japanese word for “mirror.” Kagami Mochi is an offering to the God of the New Year. It is also said that the round shape resembles the moon. They say looking at the moon bestows one with regenerative energy, as even though the moon will grow dim, its light will always return once more.
Kagami Mochi is used as a decoration between December 28th and the New Year, a period known as “Matsu-no-uchi.” After that, it is broken down with a mortar and pestle of sorts, then used in dishes such as sweet red bean soup. January 11th of the new year is known as “Kagami Biraki” or “breaking the mirror.” People then receive the offerings they have made to the God of the New Year in a custom called “Shinjinkyoushoku,” a form of communal dining that has long been a custom in Japan.
It is unfortunate that many local governments have had to put a hold on local mochi pounding celebrations due to sanitation and health reasons. However, you can now easily purchase Kagami Mochi. Even if you are unable to participate in a mochi pounding celebration, I would be happy to know that you are all decorating with Kagami Mochi and celebrating the Happy New Year.
Source: Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku: The College Headmaster’s One-Dish Course Series.
http:///www.sushi-tokyo.jp/blog-headmaster
Photo source: Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku: The College Headmaster’s One-Dish Course Series.