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2008-12-05

[Cultural Seed of Knowledge / Shimenawa ]

In many Japanese houses during the New Year season the “shimenawa” (sacred straw rope decoration) is decorated at the entrance to the house, in the “tokonoma” alcove and / or on the Shinto altar.
It is believed that this practice comes from the superstition that it prevents the evil spirits from entering the home.
The straw is twisted to the left: this is because it has been believed since ancient times that to the left was sacred.
The material used to make household “shimenawa” is straw from rice.

[Nara Lifestyle Guide / Sending Parcels (Overseas)]
http://www.nifs.or.jp/mobile/eng/guide/lifestyle/lifestyle09.html

[Seasonal Life Tips / How to cook "Oden" ]

“Oden” is a popular dish in Japan in winter.
It’s also easy to cook.
To make delicious Oden all you have to do is stew the ingredients in the soup stock sold in stores.
Ingredients used in “Oden” are daikon (Japanese radish), sato imo (taro), eggs, gyuniku no suji niku (sinewy beef), tako (octopus).
These ingredients should be stewed for a fairly long time, whereas fish-paste ingredients like “hanpen” should be cooked about 10 minutes before eating.
Add some mustard when eating. Warm yourself up this winter with “Oden”.