[Simple and Fun] New Year’s Quizzes Recommended for Seniors

Because it's a cause for celebration.

Sea bream are said to have long lifespans among fish, living for several decades. The color red is considered celebratory and is regarded as a good-luck symbol.

black soybeans

Black soybeans are a classic dish in osechi cuisine. They were chosen because they keep well even at room temperature. It’s said they carry wishes for “working diligently” and “living diligently.”

rising in the world; success in life; achieving social and professional advancement

Including yellowtail (buri) in osechi (New Year’s dishes) symbolizes a wish for career advancement, since it is a “promotional fish” whose name changes as it grows. Many people know that buri’s name changes with its growth. It’s a delicious fish that is in season in winter.

Wishing for the healthy growth of children

We fly kites to pray for growth and good health. Kite flying is a traditional event that has been practiced since the Edo period, and as a ritual to celebrate the birth of a boy, it was believed that the higher the kite soared, the more the wishes would reach the heavens and the child would grow up strong.

first water drawn on New Year’s Day

Wakamizu refers to the first water drawn on the morning of New Year’s Day, considered sacred. It is used to make offerings to the Toshigami (New Year deity), to prepare tea for the family, and to cook dishes such as ozoni (New Year soup).