Today’s Japanese word is ”Nanakusa-Gayu”.
”Nanakusa-Gayu”（The rice porridge with seven herbs ) is the porridge including the seven types of herbs.
We eat the seven herbs on January 7, it is especially said to the “Haru- no-nanakusa” (spring herbs).
In Japan many local areas, this event is the end of the New Year’s event on January 7.
On January 7, there are several traditional events.
Eatting ”Nanakusa-Gayu” is one of them.
”Nanakusa-Gayu” was introduced from China, and became popular in Edo era.
It’s original meaning is protecting oneself from bad luck, misfortune, etc.
It invites good luck and longevity. Eating the seven herbs withstand the cold winter.
We believe us to be healthy all year, if we eat the ”Nanakusa-Gayu” on this day.
And, we eat the ”Nanakusa-Gayu” to rest the tired stomach, because the ”Nanakusa-gayu” has digestive property.
By the way, this wild grasses are “Haru- no-nanakusa” (spring herbs)
“Seri” water dropwort
“Nazuna” shepherd’s purse
“Gogyo” cudweed
“Hakobera” chickweed
“Hotokenoza” henbit
“suzuna” turnip
“Suzushiro” daikon radish
If you can see it on January 7 in the Japanese supermarket.
By the way, in addition to the “Haru- no-nanakusa” (spring herbs), there is also “Aki- no-nanakusa”（autumn’s seven herbs.）
“Aki- no-nanakusa” will introduce you in autumn.
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