Traditional Sweets and Western Treats with Good Luck Meanings for Your Treats♡
2017.12.21 published
How to Choose Wedding Favors? *
[Hiki-gashi] is a treat that is given to guests at weddings along with gifts and auspicious items.
Hiki-gashi are sweets given to guests who have attended the wedding, expressing gratitude.
This custom has existed in Japan for a long time, said to originate from sharing the banquet's dishes as souvenirs for the families of those who participated in the wedding.
The average price for Hiki-gashi is around 1,000 to 2,000 yen. It is necessary to choose sweets that are appropriate and will be appreciated at a wedding.
However, when it comes to choosing suitable sweets for Hiki-gashi, it may not come to mind immediately.
Therefore, it is recommended to select sweets that have auspicious meanings for Hiki-gashi ♡
Selecting from Auspicious Choices is Recommended ♡
Therefore, it is recommended to select sweets that have auspicious meanings for Hiki-gashi ♡
Sweets, both Western and Japanese, that carry auspicious meanings and celebrate good fortune have long been chosen for wedding Hiki-gashi, making them a classic choice.
Thus, these sweets can be confidently given to older guests or business associates.
We will introduce auspicious Hiki-gashi that anyone would think are "typical of a wedding" ♩
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ① Baumkuchen
The first one we will introduce is Baumkuchen, a sweet originating from Germany. "Baumkuchen" means "tree cake" in German. The appearance resembling tree rings is its origin.
The multiple layers that resemble tree rings evoke feelings of prosperity and longevity, making Baumkuchen an auspicious sweet.
Many newlyweds choose it as Hiki-gashi, wishing that "they can continue their years together without interruption" ♡
➡【Rakuten】Patisserie Kihachi Baumkuchen
Additionally, they tend to have a relatively long shelf life, allowing guests living alone to enjoy them bit by bit.
Baumkuchen is available from various manufacturers, and there is a rich variety of stylish looks and unique flavors ♡
➡【Rakuten】Mount Fuji Premium Top Baum
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ② Konpeitō
Next, we will introduce Konpeitō, a cute traditional candy with a round appearance ♡
It is said to have been brought from Portugal during the Warring States period and was once a luxury that only homes and high-ranking samurai could afford.
It is a staple in wedding favors and has even been used in imperial gifts.
Moreover, Konpeitō takes time to make, implying that “a couple builds their home together over time = marital harmony.” It is a perfect candy for weddings.
With an increasing variety of stylish cans and boxes for Konpeitō, feel free to choose the design you like best*
➡【Rakuten】Seikaan Colorful Konpeitō
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ③ Kōhaku-manju
Red and white buns filled with sweet bean paste, Kōhaku-manju are not only essential for weddings but also celebrations in general ♡
The character "紅" (red) is a symbol of good fortune, making Kōhaku-manju auspicious.
Additionally, it is believed that the adzuki beans inside the manju have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect against calamity.
Kōhaku-manju is typically round with a "祝" (blessing) stamp, but you can also find cute shapes like hearts and flowers, adding a modern touch to traditional Kōhaku-manju—ideal for couples wishing for a slight modern flair in their weddings.
➡【Rakuten】Heart-shaped Kōhaku Jōyō Manju
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ④ Oiri
Oiri is a traditional puffed rice treat from Kagawa. With its colorful pastel appearance, it has become a trend among young women ♡
The name "Oiri" derives from the process of "toasting" the glutinous rice used as the main ingredient and plays on the phrase "to marry." It is said that brides in Kagawa used to distribute Oiri to their new families and neighbors.
Having been cherished as part of the bride's dowry, Oiri is said to bring good fortune and happiness.
Due to its adorable appearance, an increasing number of brides are choosing Oiri as a cute gift for Hiki-gashi ♡
➡【Rakuten】Oiri in a Paulownia Box
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ⑤ Dragée
Dragée is an Italian candy made by coating almonds in sugar.
Almonds are known for bearing many fruits in clusters, symbolizing progeny, making dragée a popular wedding confectionery in Europe ♡
Dragées are often presented in sets of five, each representing "happiness," "longevity," "prosperity," "health," and "wealth," respectively.
When selecting it as Hiki-gashi, it's nice to share these lovely meanings with the guests ♩
Auspicious Hiki-gashi ⑥ Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a sweet in the shape of a sea bream. Bream is associated with the word "medetai," meaning auspicious, and has long been considered a special fish for celebrations in Japan.
The taiyaki often contains adzuki beans, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and calamities*
If selected as Hiki-gashi, it is recommended to choose small, cute Taiyaki ♡
➡【Rakuten】Kanda Myojin Ebisu's Fortune Taiyaki