New Year's special food

Hi! Nice to see you! Have you hear of Osechi? Osechi is traditional cuisine in Japan. Many　kinds of foods are placed beautifully in boxes which are piled up. It is prepared to celebrate coming of New Year. Also each of foods has special meaning.

Osechi was born one thousand years ago. Most families prepare Osechi wishing their family’s happiness and prosperity because New Year’s Day has the greatest significance in Japan. All foods are cooked in order not to go bad, so women don’t have to cook during New Year’s holiday.　In this point, I think the purpose of preparing Osechi is same as that of making banh chung in　Vietnam.　Each of osechi’s components represents special meanings. Here I will show you some of them.

Kamaboko:　a steamed fish paste. Its color is red and white.
It stands for sunrise. Red and white are traditional New Year's color.

Ebi: steamed shrimp.
It represents longevity because the shrimp curves when it is heated and people wish that they can live until they become bent with age.

Kazunoko: a salted herring roe
It represents the prosperity of their families.

Osechi is essential for New Years’ celebration in Japan, and every one loves it.


How about Vietnam? Does your country have any traditional food especially for New Years’ celebration?