There are five holidays in Japan (in Japanese translation: sekku). During these days the whole family makes heave offering to God and eats celebratory dishes (sechi-furumai). The complex of celebratory dishes is called "osechi". Osechi consists of such dishes as kuromame (black beans), kazunoko (dried herring's caviar) and kurikinton (chestnuts). These dishes are considered to be very healthy. Early in the year the Japanese eat osechi and wish everybody joy and health. "Kagami-mochi" (rice flat cakes) are also served at New Year's party.

Osechi	Kagami-mochi

3rd of March This holiday is called Momo-no-sekku, which means "a holiday for girls". And celebratory dishes of this holiday are consumed as well. The most popular ones are "chirashi-zushi" (rice, dressed with vinegar, covered with slices of fish and vegetables). It is very similar to sushi.	Chirashi-zushi
5th of May "Kashiwa mochi" (rice flat cake with sweet stuffing, wrapped in an oak leaf) is cooked for a holiday called tango-no-sekku (a holiday for boys). Oak is considered to be the symbol of prosperity of family, as its leaves don't fall off until young leaves appear.	Kashiwa-mochi
7th of July During Tanabata, (a star holiday) somen (thin noodles) is eaten. They say it cures diseases.	Somen
9th of September Another holiday in Japan takes place on the 9th of September. The figure 9 is considered to be very lucky in China. So this tradition has moved to Japan, and the Japanese began to celebrate it every year. It is not celebrated nowadays, but the tradition of eating dishes with chrysanthemum still remains.

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