Mochibana is a Japanese New Year’s decoration that uses white and pink colored mochi wrapped around willow branches to simulate blossoms. Shogatsu signals the coming of spring in Japan, and spring is plum, peach and cherry blossoms. Why do people use mochi rather than real flowers?

Mochibana and Yukiguni 餅花 雪国
Mochibana, literally ‘mochi flower’ originated in northern Japan, in the mountain areas with long winters and roof crushing snowfalls. These areas are called yukiguni, or ‘snow country’ where naturally there are no flowers whatsoever in the winter. But, of course, people still wish to have flowers in their lives. As is often the case in Japan, people used food as a central element of a traditional decoration.

Though Kyoto is cold, but by no means, yukiguni-cold. Mochibana is a very common sight in town, especially at the traditional shops and stores.

Is Mochibana Eaten?
The usual answer is no, but several yukiguni Japanese bloggers say that traditionally it was, and still is eaten. At the Girls Festival in March, the dried mochibana decorations were taken down and the mochi removed and deepfried and eaten like crackers.

In Kyoto, Oshogatsu decorations are usually displayed until January 15th.

I snapped these photos the other day at one of my favorite wagashi shops in Kyoto, one I want to review soon.

Mochibana

Mochibana – detail

Mochibana – detail

Mochibana – detail

Mochibana

More Shogatsu Decoration and Ikebana

Shogatsu Decoration

The arrow is a common motif in Shinto related decoration and talismans.

Shogatsu Decoration: Year of the Ox Kirie

Shogatsu Decoration

Some of the talismans surrounding the light fixture are not for Shogatsu.

Shogatsu Decoration Nanten

Shogatsu Decoration Wakamatsu Pine

Shogatsu Decoration Wakamatsu Pine