…to Mei-Shun today. Her family gave a tiny party at night, and flower gifts. Bigger one is from Shin, fresh while smaller one from mom-in-law, preserved. They are like two peas in a same pod, choose as they look. What a beautiful combination!
Japanese Culture@wkend
StandardWe have 12 animals to symbolize a year. 2015 is represented by sheep, written in Chinese character as “未”. It is the 8th symbol among “子” rat, “丑” ox, “寅” tiger, “卯” hare, “辰” dragon, “巳” serpent, “午” horse, “未”, “申” monkey, “酉” cock, “戌” dog and “亥” boar. Many Japanese people purchase symbol ornaments to celebrate the New Year.
Shiokumi; Fisher Ladies
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun the first lesson of this year. They’ve picked up “Shiokumi” for the stage in autumn. This is a love story between a nobleman from Kyoto and fisherwomen sisters named Matsukaze and Murasame. In noh stages, older Matsukaze is the leading role shite while younger Murasame the supporting one waki.
Portable Art
StandardA covering piece of acrylic glass has been set on “Christmas Tree” by Kaori-san, who advised Mei-Shun to use that material for maintenance of colorant quality. It would also work as a locket – whose photo shall be put behind?
The Long and Straight Road
StandardDuring every new-year vacation, Mei-Shun bring her mother-in-law to a Yasaka Shrine in Tsuchiura, the headquarters of which is in Kyoto, closely related to Gi-On Festival. Since Tsuchiura branch is not registered in the navigation system of her car, Mei-Shun has to rely on mom’s memory. Well. She wishes it were good enough …
Nicely Returned
StandardOne night later, shocked garlic looks all right in a soy-sauce pool. And that strong scent is recovered. Good boys, Shin would be satisfied with you. Osechi, rice cakes and sweets have made us weigh a little (?) more, so see you next week.
Shockingly Dried
StandardMei-Shun’s mother has a recipe of soy sauce-soaked garlic chicken. It tastes good, Shin likes it very much. Looking into the refrigerator, Mei-Shun found a bundle of garlic. It seemed all right, but quite light … wow. Completely dry! After peeling, they are just like cashew nuts.
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardAs one of entertainments of the new year, we have 百人一首, Poetry by 100 Celebrities. Each poem has 5+7+5+7+7=31 syllables. Players would remember the latter 7+7 part of a poem, look for and take the card on which it is written. A reader would help with the illustrated cards of whole poems. The winner is a player who takes the most number of cards, yet the real joy of this game seems to be in the reading.
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardAkemashite Omedeto; A happy new year! As one of representative menus of washoku (=traditional Japanese cuisine), please find osechi below.
The First Box
The Second
The Third (optional European/American Style foods)
Acknowledgements
StandardSo this year ends today. Thank you so much for your kind visiting Mei-Shun. She and Mikan-chan would like to share a time with you here next year as well.
meishunkikunoe 