Osechi Ryori are the traditional foods eaten on New Year’s Days. The osechi ryori includes food that had symbolic significance for health, fertility, longevity and good fortune. The preparation of making osechi ryori is usually finished before New Year. The dishes are either dried or high in sugar or vinegar to preserve the food for a couple of days. Each dish serves as a wish for the coming year. There are some meanings behind the dishes of traditional osechi ryori,
Names of dishes (In Japanese) | Names of dishes (In English) | Meaning |
Daidai | Japanese bitter orange | It symbolizes a wish for children in the New Year |
Datemaki | Sweet rolled omelette mixed with fish paste | It symbolizes a wish for many auspicious days |
Kamaboko | Broiled fish cake | It has a celebratory, festive meaning |
Kazunoko | Herring Roe | It symbolizes a wish to be gifted with numerous children in the New Year |
Konbu | Seaweed | It has a meaning of joy |
Kuro mame | Black soybeans | It symbolizes a wish for health in the New Year |
Tai | Red sea bream | It symbolizes an auspicious event |
Tazukuri | Dried sardines in soy sauce | It symbolizes an abundant harvest |
Ebi | Prawns cooked with sake and soy sauce | It symbolizes a wish for a long-life |
Nishiki tamago | Egg roulade | It symbolizes wealth and good fortune |
Many Japanese posted the pictures of osechi ryori in their instagram account. They were so colorful and pretty. The sight of the food will make your mouth water. Let’s see some of their postings below.

Source: Instagram Account izukaaaaan

Source: Instagram Account remi_912

Source: Instagram Account kokoronotane
Feature image taken from instagram account machurei