"Impressive Japanese Course Meals for Weddings: A Collection of Dishes with Auspicious Meanings*"

Western or Japanese Cuisine at the Reception?

Choosing the meal to serve to your guests at the reception can be quite a dilemma, right? While Western cuisine is the mainstream choice, if you're planning to wear a kimono or if your wedding venue has a Japanese atmosphere, you might also think that Japanese cuisine is lovely ♡

Japanese Cuisine Packed with auspicious meanings＊

Japanese cuisine includes many dishes and tableware that carry unique auspicious meanings in Japan. Each meal conveys a proper message, and that’s just wonderful, isn’t it? ♡

This time, I will introduce the benefits of Japanese cuisine for brides-to-be who are debating between Western and Japanese options ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Tableware ① [Pine, Bamboo, and Plum]

The patterns in Japanese tableware, much like the designs of kimonos, also have wonderful meanings. For example, [Pine, Bamboo, and Plum]. Pine is strong against cold and remains beautifully green all year round, which led ancient people to believe that it maintained its green with the help of the gods. Thus, it symbolizes being watched over by the gods. ＊

Bamboo has joints and grows straight upwards without bending. Did you know it's also quite strong against wind? This signifies that no matter how harsh the situation, one can proceed straight ahead and reach milestones in life safely ♡

Plum trees endure the cold while in bud during winter and bloom in spring. This carries a positive meaning of overcoming difficulties and eventually blossoming and bearing fruit ♡

When summarizing these three meanings regarding a "wedding," it implies that the couple wishes to overcome future hardships while being watched over by everyone and to find happiness together ♡ Such wonderful Pine, Bamboo, and Plum designs are definitely something to include in Japanese tableware ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Tableware ② Crane and Turtle

Cranes are symbols of longevity, as the saying goes, "A crane lives for a thousand years." Moreover, cranes have excellent marital harmony and are known as "Wedded Cranes," which is perfect for weddings ♡

Turtles are also symbols of longevity, accompanying cranes. Furthermore, the auspiciousness of turtles extends beyond Japan, with legends in India and Greece that tell of turtles supporting the world due to their hard shells, symbolizing steadfastness ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Tableware ③ Okame and Hyottoko

It is said that where there is laughter, many blessings visit. Okame and Hyottoko are considered symbols of laughter. These figures invite happiness to your home and help maintain a harmonious family ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Cuisine ① Sekihan (Red Rice)

Since ancient times in Japan, red has been considered a color that wards off evil, believed to have the power to avoid calamities. From this origin, Sekihan came to be served at celebratory occasions as a talisman ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Cuisine ② Hamaguri Soup

Hamaguri clams are a pair that fits perfectly together, symbolizing a loving couple. This is a wonderful auspicious item that conveys the wish for lifelong companionship with one partner ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Cuisine ③ Chikuzen-ni

The ingredients of Chikuzen-ni, such as bamboo shoots, burdock, lotus root, and taro, are root vegetables that grow deep in the earth. Therefore, Chikuzen-ni is said to symbolize prosperity of descendants and everlasting happiness ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Cuisine ④ Red and White Kamaboko

Red and white have long been regarded as auspicious colors. The red of the Kamaboko denotes a talisman, while the white signifies purity ♡

Auspicious Meaning in Japanese Cuisine ⑤ Tai (Sea Bream)

Tai is considered an auspicious ingredient due to its homophonic resemblance to the word 'medetai' (happy), and it has a beautiful shape and delicious flavor that represent joy. Additionally, Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is often depicted holding a tai under his arm ♡

The More You Know, the Deeper the Meaning of Japanese Cuisine ♡

How did you find this? The elegant and vibrant nature of Japanese cuisine carries deep meanings in each dish, making it a wonderful way to entertain guests. While Western courses are also great, enjoying the subtleties of Japanese cuisine is equally appealing ♡