Today is the day of “Seri Nazuna Gogyo Hakobera Hotokenoza Suzuna Suzushiro this is na nakusa”.
Kanji Character is 『 芹 薺 御行 繁縷 仏の座 菘 蘿蔔 これぞ七草』
Isn’t it so cool?
Do you think this is a spell or something？ Or a pillar(Hashira) of a demon slayer(Kimetu no Yaiba)?
No, these character is not those things. These are seven haerbs spring(haru no nanakusa).
In Japan, there is a custom of making rice porridge with these seven herbs on January 7th to soothe a weakened stomach from overeating and drinking during the year-end and New Year holidays.
There are various theories about the origin of this custom.
One of them is the theory that it comes from the Chinese annual event diary『Keisosaijiki(荊楚歳時記)』written in the middle of the 6th century.
You can see that Japan and its neighboring countries have been influencing each other’s cultures since ancient times, recognizing that what is good is good and adopting it. That is great. Don’t you think?
I hope that this yera will be a peaceful year in which culture and entertainment around the world can have a positive influence on each other.
Let’s make Nanakusa porridge.
Only at this time of the year, you can find the Nanakusa porridge set in the vegetable section of the supermarket.
How to make Nanakusa porride
easy version
- Purchase the Nanakusa pack set at the supermarket.
- Put them on a heat-resistant plate and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Cover lighty with plastic wrap and heat in a microwave at 400w for 1minute and 30seconds.
- poue water in a pot, add rice and bring to a boil.
- Once the rice grains melted, add the seven herbs(Nanakusa) and taste it.
If you like, you can sprinkle grated cheese, pepper, and olive oil.
Benefits of Nanakusa porridge
- Revive tired stomch.
- Supplementation of nutrients that thed to be deficient in winter time.
