Kagamimochi: The New Year’s Bringer of Good Fortune

Kagamimochi has its origins in the “Hagatame no Gishiki,” a ceremony that used to take place on New Year’s Day at the imperial palace during the Heian period (794–1185). During this ceremony, participants would consume hard mochi as a way to express their wishes for longevity and good health in the upcoming year. Initially, New Year celebrations focused on praying for plentiful harvests and well-being in the year ahead. Kagamimochi was made as a yorishiro, serving as a dwelling for the deity of the New Year, who oversees the fortunes of the upcoming year. This unique decoration was placed in homes to welcome the New Year.

Kiyoshi explains, “Making kagamimochi was a significant tradition carried out at the end of the year. This task was typically carried out on a date associated with the number eight, which represents expansion (such as December 28), or the 30th. However, mochi prepared on the 29th is known as kumochi, while that made on the 31st is referred to as ichiyamochi; both of which are considered unlucky.” Incidentally, the 28th is a popular day to display kagamimochi, and it’s even better if the house has been nicely tidied up after a thorough cleaning. Traditionally, it was common to offer kagamimochi in all areas of the home where the deity was thought to dwell. The most beautifully crafted kagamimochi was placed in the tokonoma alcove, while smaller ones were set in the kitchen, toilet, and entranceway.

The round shape of kagamimochi, combined with the meaning of “kagami” (which translates to “mirror”), carries great significance. Traditionally, mochi is considered a sacred food. The Bungo no Kuni Fudoki, which was compiled during the Nara period (710–794), tells a legend about a round mochi that transformed into a white bird after being struck by an arrow. When the bird flew away, the province subsequently fell into ruins. The white, round mochi symbolizes abundance and is believed to possess special powers, serving as a dwelling place for the deity. It has long been cherished by people, symbolizing something they deeply desire and hold in high esteem.
“Although easily accessible today, mochi was once considered a special delicacy made by taking precious rice and adding an extra step to its preparation. Traditionally, it served as an important offering during celebrations and Shinto rituals, making it a truly meaningful treat,” says Kiyoshi.

There are various ways to display kagamimochi. However, the standard method involves stacking a small mochi on top of a larger one, with a mandarin orange known as daidai perched on top. This arrangement is typically set on a wooden stand called sanbo, and it is adorned with red and white shiho-beni, shide (paper streamers), and urajiro (leaves) beneath the rice cakes. The daidai represents the family’s continuity across generations, while the urajiro’s white underside symbolizes a pure heart and marital harmony, reflected by the symmetry of the leaves. Additionally, the shiho-beni and shide serve to ward off evil spirits. Depending on regional customs or family traditions, kombu seaweed or skewered persimmons might also be included as symbols of good fortune.

Kiyoshi emphasizes that it is essential not only to offer the kagamimochi but also to consume it. After the deity of the New Year has spent time in the home during the period known as “Matsu-no-uchi,” the “kagamibiraki” ceremony takes place. During this event, the large kagamimochi is shared and eaten by everyone, allowing them to absorb the spiritual power of the deity that resides within the mochi.

The term “kagamibiraki” has its roots in a superstition from the samurai era. In that society, the words “kiru” (to cut) and “waru” (to break) were closely associated with seppuku, also known as ritual suicide. To avoid this negative connotation, the more auspicious term “hiraku,” which means “to open,” was adopted instead.

The date of the kagamibiraki ceremony isn’t set in stone, but it appears that many areas, particularly in Kanto, celebrate it on January 11th. One theory suggests that this date was shifted from the 20th to the 11th to avoid the anniversary of the death of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, who passed away on April 20th. In contrast, the Kansai region primarily observes it on the 15th, while some parts of Kyoto sometimes hold the celebration on the 4th, just after the first three days of the New Year.

In samurai households, the event was referred to as “Gusokubiraki,” while merchant families called it “Kurabiraki.” Generally, kagamibiraki took place at the start of the work year after the New Year festivities, although the timing varied according to individual lifestyles. Some households even store kagamimochi in water, enjoying it around June. Additionally, there are regions where people prepare kagamimochi by cooking it over a fire called “tondo,” which is made from the New Year decorations that were collected.

It is a common tradition to savor the removed kagamimochi with sweet adzuki beans, which are thought to protect against evil spirits, all served in a soup known as shiruko. Notably, “shiruko” refers to a soup made with smooth red bean jam, while “zenzai” describes a version made with unsieved red bean jam in the Kansai region; the Kanto region refers to it as “inakajiruko.” In earlier times, sugar was considered a luxury item, making the sweet combination of auspicious mochi and sugar a delightful treat to look forward to during the New Year festivities.

In addition to kagamimochi, there is a tradition of decorating the home with mochibana, a branch adorned with small pieces of colorful mochi, particularly during the Lunar New Year. This decoration is offered to the deity as a gesture of gratitude for a bountiful harvest, symbolizing a celebration. It embodies the spirit of “yoshuku,” which reflects the hope and belief that “this year will surely bring a good harvest.”

Kiyoshi explains, “In the past, people took great care in preparing for and celebrating the New Year, with mochi as the star of the festivities. Today, the traditional practice of giving children money as a New Year’s gift originated from the idea of receiving vitality for the year ahead, represented through mochi. This exchange symbolized receiving the spirit of the deity of the New Year. The significance of enjoying mochi during that time must have felt truly unique compared to our experiences today.”

Even though the chance to make mochi or kagamimochi has diminished in modern times, we hope you will offer kagamimochi with a sense of gratitude and prayer during the New Year. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy the moment together.