In Edo town, it seems that people eat pumpkin (nankin) on the winter solstice in December.
Eating dishes with "n" on the winter solstice is a superstition to bring good "luck".
This custom is based on the fact that the winter solstice is the day with the shortest daylight and the peak of yin energy, while from this day onward, the yang energy is revived
It originates from the phrase "Ichiyo Raifuku," which means the return of spring or the return of good fortune.
Since the sound "n" is associated with "luck (un)", eating foods that contain "n" on the winter solstice
It has been believed to "invite good luck." There is a custom of eating foods with two "n" sounds such as "nankin (pumpkin)", "lotus root", "carrot", "ginkgo nut", "kumquat", "kanten", and "undon (udon)".
Known as the "Seven Kinds of Winter Solstice".
At our store, from the seven ingredients of the winter solstice, we offer a simmered dish including "pumpkin (kabocha)" and "lotus root," and although not part of the seven ingredients, we also include "konnyaku," which contains the character "n."
During the winter solstice period, when there are few vegetables, nutritious foods that can be stored for a long time, such as pumpkins, are
Eating also carries the meaning of wishing for health to get through the cold winter, and since "n" is the last character of "iroha": the last character of "iroha nihoheto...", it is customary to eat things that end with "n"
It also symbolizes "the end of darkness and the beginning of light".
