A happy new year!
To me, new year comes with sunrise rather than countdown at midnight, especially when I am getting older and it’s getting hard to stay up late…
For a few days before new year, people clean their home and cook special dishes, and on New Year’s day, they keep eating and spend time with their family.
Each dish has a meaning:
Shrimp is for longevity from the shape that the back is bent like old people.
The small fish called “tatsukuri” is for good crop as they were used to fertilize rice fields.
Herring roe called “kazunoko” (meaning “many children”) is for perpetuation of descendants.
Black beans are for hard work from Japanese pronunciation of beans “Mame”.
Mashed sweet potatoes with chesnuts are for prosperity from the gold (yellow) color.
The color (red & white) of pickled radish and carrot salad is for celebration.
We wish you healthy and prosperous year of 2026!
Sora Farm 
2 responses to “Sora Farm Newsletter-Vol. 67”
Thank you for sharing the story of your new years traditions. All the best to you both in 2026.
Sibyl
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Thank you for your comment. All the best for you, too!
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