Toshikoshi_soba

Toshikoshi soba

Toshikoshi soba

Noodle dish eaten in Japan on New Year's Eve

Toshikoshi soba (年越し蕎麦) is a traditional Japanese noodle bowl dish eaten on ōmisoka (New Year's Eve, 31 December).[1]

Toshikoshi-soba(年越し蕎麦), soba-shop(蕎麦店), Tokyo, Japan.
Tempura, Kamaboko soba

This custom is intended to enable the household to let go of the year’s hardship because soba noodles are easily cut while eating.

History

The custom differs from area to area and it is also called misoka soba, tsugomori soba, kure soba, jumyō soba, fuku soba, and unki soba.[2] The tradition started around the Edo period (1603-1867), and there are several traditions that long soba noodles symbolize a long life.[3] The buckwheat plant can survive severe weather during its growth period, and so soba represents strength and resilience.

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Bill Daley, "New Year's Eve noodles: A savory end to the old year", Chicago Tribune
  2. [2]
    In Japanese misoka, tsugomori, and kure all here designate New Year's Eve; jumyō means lifespan; fuku and unki both means happiness.
  3. [3]
    Bill Daley, "A savory end to the old year: Soba caps busy New Year's Eve", December 29, 2010, Chicago Tribune
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