National Mochi Day is joyously celebrated on August 8 every year to honour the delightful mochi cakes, cherished for their lovely, chewy texture and sweetness. These traditional Japanese confections have captured people's hearts worldwide, offering a blend of stickiness and powdery charm. New Asian American Bakeries Find Bicultural Sweet Spot.

The inception of National Mochi Day traces back to 2021, when Mochi Mochi Wagashi, a Hawaiian mochi enterprise, designated this day to celebrate mochi's myriad wonders. The roots of the unassuming mochi stretch into ancient times. Historical records indicate that the Japanese began crafting their mochi during the Jomon period, from 14,000 B.C. to 300 B.C., as they began cultivating their rice. The subsequent Kofun period in the 6th century witnessed a surge in homemade mochi production, facilitated by the widespread availability of earthenware steamers. As you celebrate National Mochi Day 2023, we at LatestLY have bought together some interesting facts about mochi that you must know on this day. Five Easy & Tasty Cake Recipes for You To Prepare.

Traditional Mochi Pounding

The traditional mochi-making method involves pounding glutinous rice with wooden mallets in a " usu " mortar until it becomes smooth and elastic. This labour-intensive process is often a communal activity during festive occasions.

Symbolism and Rituals

Mochi holds significant cultural symbolism in Japan. It is often associated with auspicious events like New Year celebrations, weddings, and other ceremonies. Pounding mochi, known as "mochitsuki," is considered a symbol of unity and strength.

Mochi on New Year's Day

Eating mochi during the New Year is a cherished tradition in Japan. One popular New Year's dish is "ozoni," a soup with mochi and various ingredients like vegetables and chicken in a clear broth.

Kagami Mochi

Kagami mochi, or "mirror mochi," is a traditional New Year decoration consisting of two stacked round mochi cakes with a bitter orange (daidai) on top. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Variety of Fillings

Mochi can be filled with diverse fillings, including sweet options like red bean paste (anko), white bean paste (shiroan), and sesame paste. Savoury fillings such as minced meat or vegetables can also be used.

Mochi Ice Cream

A modern twist on traditional mochi is mochi ice cream. It originated in the 1980s in Japan and gained popularity internationally. Mochi envelops a small scoop of ice cream, creating a delightful combination of chewy and creamy textures.

These facts showcase the rich history, cultural significance, and diverse culinary uses of mochi, making it a fascinating and cherished element of both traditional and modern societies.

Wishing everyone a Happy National Mochi Day 2023.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2023 08:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).