“七草がゆ” (Nanakusa Gayu) is a traditional Japanese dish associated with the celebration of “Jinjitsu no Sekku (人日の節句)” or “Nanakusa no Sekku (七草の節句)” that takes place on January 7th. “Sekku” (節句) is a term in Japanese that refers to traditional seasonal festivals or celebrations, often associated with specific times of the year. These festivals have been observed for centuries and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. There are five Sekku throughout the year, each with its own customs, rituals, and significance. We have articles explaining the two major Sekku which are widely celebrated in Japan. Click the names below to see the articles.
What is Jinjitsu no sekku?
The festival is held on the seventh day of the first lunar month, which corresponds to January 7th in the modern calendar. The origin of the festival can be traced back to ancient China. On the seventh day of the New Year celebration, the Chinese warded off harmful spirits and illnesses and ensured good health for the year. On this day, people engaged in various rituals and consumed soup cooked with seven kinds of herbs.
In Japan, There was a tradition called “Wakana Tsumi”, where people picked young herbs at the beginning of the year to receive new life from nature. When the Chinese New Year custom was introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710-794), the tradition of Wakana-tsumi was combined with the Seven Spring Herbs which led to the current tradition of eating Nanakusa-gayu.
What herbs are used in the dish?
The seven herbs used in Nanakusa Gayu are believed to have medicinal properties and are associated with the promotion of good health. It is also considered to help in recovering from the cold winter months and provide racked nutrients.
The herbs used in Nanakusa Gayu are the following.
- Water dropwort (せり – seri) – Pleasant fragrance, and it is expected to stimulate appetite
- Shepherd’s purse (なずな – nazuna) – Also known as “penpen-sou,” it is said to have detoxifying effects.
- Jersey cudweed (ごぎょう – gogyo) – Also known as “Hahakogusa,” it is believed to alleviate sore throats and coughs.
- Common chickweed (はこべら – hakobera) – Rich in vitamins, it is said to be good for preventing cavities and as a pain reliever.
- Turnip (ほとけのざ – hotokenoza) – Rich in dietary fiber, it is said to be helpful in improving dermatitis.
- Daikon radish (すずな – suzuna) – Refers to turnips. It is said to promote digestion and have antipyretic effects
- Japanese parsley (えんでんすずしろ – enkairan) – Refers to daikon radish. It is said to promote digestion and be beneficial for preventing colds.
In the modern days, Nanakusa Gayu is also consumed to soothe the digestive system after consuming heavy foods, and for some people, consuming more alcoholic beverages during the year-end and New Year celebrations.
How can I get those herbs?
In early January, many grocery stores and supermarkets in Japan sell pre-packaged sets of the seven herbs specifically for making Nanakusa Gayu. If you cannot find them, you will be able to find the package online either fresh or freeze-dried to make the dish. If you can’t get the herbs in your country, I wonder if you can create the same kind of dish using medicinal herbs that are used in your own country. I hope you will have a healthy new year!
