Lucky Foods & Dreamy Traditions

This morning when I woke up Manuel asked me if I had received any guidance in the night. I had forgotten that there is a Japanese tradition of one's dreams on New Year's Eve providing insight into the year ahead. (I asked him if this was also an Italian tradition, but he said it wasn't.) So we each told about our dreams.

The dream I'd been having was hard to grasp in my mind when awake due to its fuzzy edges. I glimpsed a fog of my usual themes with maybe also a soft grey mouse running by and a slim, sparkling fish. A silver city skyline set the backdrop for my tasks I was organizing and seeking to complete. It made me think that the new year will be similar to the last one, but with new creations added in that make me happy.

Manuel could remember a part of his dream, where he was explaining to someone how he could have become a professional soccer player for Torino and the person listened well and believed his words. He was remembering the possibility that he left unfulfilled in his teens. Maybe it's a lesson for his new year, to pursue the things he truly wants to do now, and not let them go.

Matteo's answer was concise and precise, "I dreamed about Knight's Kingdom!" These are his Lego toys of knights, kings and castles. It seemed a fitting dream for a four-year old. I can see him tackling the new year as a series of adventures.

Daniel said, "I didn't dream anything; I just slept." I suppose that could mean a lot of things. Maybe it will be a peaceful year for Daniel.

What did you dream? ...


For New Year's Day we were fortunate to attend PJ & Roy's happy party which traditionally features lots of relatives on both sides of their family and lots and lots and lots of Japanese treats.

Here are some of the lucky foods we enjoyed. From the left, they are little fish (that you simply have to put in your mouth and crunch them up, otherwise their big eyes look at you), sweet black beans, and dark seaweed.

My mother patiently explained (twice) the luck that each one signified, but I just couldn't remember all the details. Suffice to say, the foods are chosen due to a play on words. I believe it's the beans and seaweed that both have "mame" at the ends of their names. Because "mame" also means "health", these foods are said to bring you health in the coming year.

As the tradition comes from Japanese farmers, who needed good health to be able to work their fields, the fact that these foods have dark colors is also significant. My mom said it means that you can work hard out in the sun, get dark and be healthy. I thought Japanese people always wanted to keep their skin white, but she said this was not a concern for ancient farmers.

The fish involved another play on words that ended up meaning "happiness". The boys and I ate a lot of each of these, so we're hoping for a very healthy and happy 2007. We wish the same for you, too!