The beginning of eating has a long history, and is a traditional event that has continued since the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD).
At that time, on the 50th day after a baby was born, rice cakes called ika-no-mochi (50 rice cakes) were placed in heavy water (a type of liquid food), and using chopsticks, a small amount of rice cake was placed in the child's mouth. A ``fifty-day celebration'' was being held. Eventually, the celebration of the 50th day became the 100th day, and this is said to be the beginning of the beginning of the meal.
During the Kamakura period, rice cakes were replaced with fish meat, which led to the name ``Manahashi'' (starting with true fish). This situation is also described in many classic books such as "The Tale of the Heike."
During the Edo period, the current form of omichime (starting a meal), in which the child imitates the preparation of food and dishes to be served on a plate and feeds it, took on its current form.
In the past, hygiene and nutrition were not perfect, and it was very difficult for babies to grow up safely, so in addition to the 100 Days Celebration, shrine visits, Issho Mochi cakes, and various seasonal milestones were used to celebrate the growth of babies. Ceremonies and celebrations have been held to pray for this.
[Grilled fish with tail]
Grilled fish is said to bring good luck because of its complete appearance from head to tail. It is common to prepare grilled sea bream, which is a pun on the word ``Odetaitai'' (sea bream).
[Suimono]
This soup is made with a good dashi stock and is made with the wish that the breasts will suck strongly and grow strong, and the traditional toppings are sea bream and carp. In recent years, it has become common to add clams to pray for being blessed with a good mate.
[Simmered food]
It varies depending on the season and region, but carrots and daikon radish, which represent the auspicious red and white color, are often included. You can also cook pumpkins and shiitake mushrooms into a hexagonal shape to resemble a turtle shell, or add shrimp, which is an auspicious ingredient.
[Incense]
Its sour taste refreshes your mouth and helps reset your sense of taste. Pickled seasonal vegetables are best.
【Red rice】
Since ancient times, the color red has been believed to ward off evil spirits and ward off evil spirits. Sekihan is also indispensable at the celebratory table of the first meal.
The contents of the menu vary greatly, with strong regional characteristics and the addition of local specialties. There's no such thing as necessarily having to do this. Let's prepare a celebratory meal for each family and pray for the baby's future health and happiness.
Around 100 to 120 days after birth is the time when baby teeth begin to erupt, and we celebrate them with joy and gratitude that the baby has grown large enough for teeth to grow, and with hopes for healthy growth in the future.
In some regions, it is celebrated on the 110th or 120th day. Celebrating after 120 days is called ``kunobashi,'' and it also seems to mean longevity.
In the past, it was customary for the eldest grandparents in the household to be the first to put chopsticks in the baby's mouth at the beginning of the meal. It will be. Nowadays, it is sometimes held at a time when the couple is busy with the birth of a child, so it is often celebrated in a small way without family gatherings. Don't worry too much about the formality of the celebration, and celebrate the baby's successful growth over the past few months in a way that suits each family, and hope that the baby will continue to grow healthily.
