On January 7, Japan celebrates the traditional custom known as the Day of the Seven Herbs, or Nanakusa no Sekku, by enjoying a porridge made from seven specific herbs. This ritual, deeply rooted in the country’s history, is believed to bring health and wellness for the year.
Across various regions, including popular municipalities like Takayama and urban markets, visitors partake in this nourishing tradition. The custom of eating seven-herb rice porridge, or nanakusa-gayu, offers not only sustenance but also invokes blessings for good health. Specifically, citizens flock to locations where this porridge is offered free, usually after it has been presented as an offering to local deities.
At Takayama Shrine, for example, hundreds gather to enjoy this festive dish, warmed by the hearty ambiance. The local priest on duty remarked, "The offering of Nanakusa-gayu to the gods reflects our wishes for health and wellness for everyone," highlighting the communal spirit shared during this event. Visitors often find the dish comforting after the indulgence of traditional New Year’s meals, which can leave one feeling sluggish.
The health benefits attributed to the seven herbs—seru (Japanese water dropwort), nazuna (shepherd’s purse), gogyou (motherwort), hakobe (chickweed), hotokenoza (fleabane), suzuna (Japanese radish), and suzushiro (white radish)—are noteworthy. Local authorities assure participants, "The eating of these ingredients invigorates the digestion and tones the body," reflecting the long-standing belief in their rejuvenation properties.
Historically, this tradition extends back to the Heian period, merging ancient Chinese customs with Japanese practices. It was rooted firmly within the folk belief system, believed to purify one's body and spirits at the start of the year, effortlessly assisting those who may have overindulged during New Year's festivities.
Notably, even local markets, like the East Tokyo Minori no Sato, feature fresh herbs for sale. Many vendors offer seven herbs mixed from their local produce variations. Some locales even serve porridge variations named after those herbs specific to their region. For example, places like Fukutsu and Saga promote seven-herb soup or porridge made with locally popular variations.
Local shoppers are encouraged to sample the traditions as they browse stalls laden with fresh vegetables, often noting, "Eating the seven herbs porridge is said to help recover from the heavy meals consumed during the New Year celebrations," as per Kyodo News. Treating the body with these fresh greens especially at the beginning of the year aligns with the cultural principles of health and rejuvenation.
Despite its significance, not all regions maintain the tradition uniformly. For example, northern areas like Niigata may find themselves missing key herbs due to heavy snowfall, which can prevent them from harvesting during the early months. Traditional practices like these often evolve based on local availability and customs.
Communities have adapted by diversifying the herbs included, ensuring everyone can partake regardless of local conditions. Through advancements, such as the distribution of seasonal herb packs, more individuals have engaged with Nanakusa no Sekku, fostering revitalized interest among younger generations.
This January 7 ritual reflects how cultural traditions can evolve with time yet retain their core values of health, communal togetherness, and prayer for fortune. Whether at shrines or markets, the enjoyment of seven-herb rice porridge serves as both meal and memory marker, bridging generations through the shared experience.
Empowered by both flavor and tradition, the custom of Nanakusa-gayu stands as not only nourishment for the body but also for the spirit, reminding of the joys of simplicity and hope as the New Year begins.