January 7th is known as "Jinjitsu" (人日) or the "Festival of Seven Herbs." On this day, people eat a porridge made with the spring's seven herbs (seri, nazuna, gogyo, hakobera, hotokenoza, suzuna, suzushiro) to pray for a year of good health. Eating this porridge also helps reset after the New Year's feast and is a way to wish for good health and no illness.
Background and Origin of the Festival of Seven Herbs:
One of the Five Festivals: The Five Festivals are January 7th (Jinjitsu), March 3rd (Shangsi), May 5th (Duanwu), July 7th (Qixi), and September 9th (Chongyang).
Spring's Seven Herbs: The seven herbs used are seri, nazuna, gogyo, hakobera, hotokenoza, suzuna, and suzushiro, all considered beneficial for health.
Origin in Chinese Customs: The custom of the Festival of Seven Herbs originates from the Chinese tradition of eating seven kinds of vegetables on January 7th of the lunar calendar to wish for health in the new year.
Meaning of the Seven Herbs Porridge:
Prayer for Good Health: Eating the porridge is a prayer for a year free from illness.
Reset after New Year's Feast: It helps reset the stomach after the New Year's feasting.
Harmony with Nature: Using the seven herbs is a way to appreciate the blessings of nature.
How to Make Seven Herbs Porridge:
Prepare the spring's seven herbs (seri, nazuna, gogyo, hakobera, hotokenoza, suzuna, suzushiro) and wash and chop them.
Cook rice and water in a pot to make porridge.
Add the seven herbs and simmer lightly.
Seven herbs porridge varies by region and family, with different ingredients and seasonings. No matter how it is made, it always carries the wish for good health.