Osechi (お節) is a traditional Japanese New Year meal. The tradition started in the Edo period.

The dishes that make up Osechi each have a special meaning celebrating the New Year.

Some examples are:

Kuro-mame (黒豆, Black soybeans): "Mame" means "health". (Wish for good health in the New Year)

Konbu (昆布, Seaweed): "Yorokobu" means "joy". (Wish for a joyful year)

Tai (鯛, Red sea-bream): "Medetai" means "happy event". (Wish for happy events in the New Year)

Kazunoko (数の子, Herring roe): "Ko" means "child". (Wish to be gifted with children in the New Year)

Daidai (橙, Japanese bitter orange): "Daidai" means "from generation to generation". (Wish to be gifted with children in the New Year)

Datemaki (伊達巻き) sweet rolled omelette mixed with fish paste or mashed shrimp