[ Today’s Japanese Word: “Kagami-Mochi” ]

“Kagami-Mochi” is the decoration for the New Year celebration in Japan.
We display it for preparations to invite the “Toshigami-sama” (New year god).
The shape of the “Kagami-Mochi” is round. It me
ans harmony.
And to pile up two “mochi”s means “many times”. In other words, it means that to repeat year peacefully.
We put a bitter orange (or a mandarin orange) on the top of the “Kagami-Mochi”. And display a fan behind.
Orange’s meaning: Mascot in hope of longevity and prosperity of family.
Fan’s meaning:A wish to proper for a long time is wished to a fan.
The ribbon tied up midmost of the “Kagami-Mochi” is called “Mizu-hiki”. We expect “a relation with Toshigami-sama” and tie up the “Mizu-hiki”.
We call the paper of red and white, “Shide”. We we pray for prosper in every direction. It also seems to have the meaning of the talisman against evil to use red and white.
Also, it is told that “Toshigami-sama” dwells in the “Kagami-Mochi” during New Year holidays.
By eating the “Kagami-Mochi”, we can have the power from “Toshigami-sama”. And we pray for one-year health and happiness.This ceremony is called “Kagami-biraki”.
We put the cut “Kagami-Mochi” in “Zoni”, and eat it.
I would like to explain the “Zoni” at another opportunity.

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