When the Chinese arrived in Japan during the 5th and 6th centuries, calligraphy, religion, and cuisine were introduced. Under Buddhist influence, meat consumption was reduced and replaced by tofu, miso, with vegetables becoming predominant, and rice appeared, which would become the foundation of Japanese cuisine to this day.
Many typical dishes are prepared with rice that accompany everyday meals and are also present during important celebrations like the New Year, which is the most significant celebration, accompanied by many rites and traditions.
During the New Year, the sound of bells from all Buddhist temples can be heard, and each chime symbolizes earthly passions that must be overcome to attain enlightenment.
One very popular ceremony is Mochitsuki, which involves making mochi in the most traditional way within the family. It is customary to eat different dishes on this date, each with a special meaning, including mochi and ozoni, which symbolize spiritual cleansing, often accompanied by sweet rice wine, prepared in temples.
Mochi are cakes made from a special rice with a chewy texture, filled with red beans, although gold pieces or other objects believed to bring good luck can also be placed inside.
These mochi are formed by two round parts of different sizes, symbolizing the sun and the moon; the larger one, representing the sun, is placed underneath, and the smaller, representing the moon, on top. They also symbolize the human heart, balance, and harmony—yin and yang.
On top of the two pieces, an bitter orange called dai-dai is placed, a Taoist symbol representing family longevity and a long life.
