Nanakusa no Hi (Seven Herbs Day)

What Is Nanakusa no Hi (the Festival of Seven Herbs)?

Every year on January 7th, Japan celebrates "Nanakusa no Hi," one of the five seasonal festivals known as "Jinjitsu no Sekku." In ancient China, this day was used to tell people's fortunes, and the custom traveled to Japan, where from around the Heian period it became established as a tradition of eating rice porridge mixed with seven spring herbs. Eating "nanakusa-gazu" (seven-herb rice porridge) on the morning of January 7th is meant to pray for a year free of illness and to give the stomach a rest after the rich New Year's feasts -- a traditional milestone packed with practical wisdom for daily life.

The Historical Facts Behind the Seven Spring Herbs

Each of the plants used in nanakusa-gazu carries an auspicious meaning as well as nutrients that tend to be lacking in winter.

• The seven herbs and their meanings: Seri (water dropwort, meaning "to compete and win"), nazuna (shepherd's purse, "to brush away impurities"), gogyo (cudweed, a Buddhist symbol), hakobera (chickweed, "prosperity spreading widely"), hotokenoza (henbit, "the Buddha's seat"), suzuna (turnip, "a bell that calls the gods"), and suzushiro (daikon radish, "pure white"). These plants symbolize the strong vitality of sprouting through the harsh winter.
• The "Nanakusa-Bayashi" ritual: In the past, people would beat the seven herbs with the back of a kitchen knife the night before, chanting special verses. This ritual was tied to "tori-oi," the custom of driving away birds that damage crops, and served as a charm to pray for a good harvest.

The Science Behind This Health-Boosting Dish

Nanakusa-gazu is, quite reasonably, a well-designed "healing food."

• Good for digestion: The diastase found in daikon and turnip helps aid digestion. Meanwhile, the abundant vitamins and minerals in seri and nazuna are ideal for replenishing nutrients in winter.
• A detox effect: Eating early-spring greens at a time when leafy vegetables are scarce after the New Year helps flush out waste from the body and restore balance -- wisdom that resonates with modern concerns like recovering from "New Year's weight gain" and fatigue.

Interesting Facts About Nanakusa no Hi

• The origin of "Jinjitsu": In ancient China, the days from January 1st to 6th were each assigned to a different animal for fortune-telling, and the 7th day was designated "the day of people" -- the origin of the term "Jinjitsu no Sekku."
• Picking herbs from the snow: In the past, people would dig through snow to gather wild young herbs. This was also enjoyed as the elegant pastime of "wakana-tsumi" (picking young greens) while waiting for spring.
• Regional variations: In areas where all seven herbs aren't available, people use substitute vegetables, daikon leaves, or dried greens instead, resulting in a wide variety of local "nanakusa-gazu."
• Beyond porridge: Today, for those who aren't fans of porridge, products like pasta, risotto, and freeze-dried sets made with the seven herbs are sold, evolving to fit modern lifestyles.
• The close of the New Year season: January 7th also marks the end of "matsu no uchi" (the New Year decoration period, which varies by region), functioning as a reset day that wraps up the New Year festivities and returns everyone to daily life.

Drawing in Nature's Vitality for a Healthy New Step

Nanakusa no Hi is a day to appreciate the small but powerful life force underfoot and to be gentle with your own body. Just like the young herbs that sprout despite the harsh cold, we too carry the energy to push back against adversity. On January 7th, why not slowly savor a bowl of warm porridge, spoonful by spoonful, and warm your body from within? Taking care of yourself is an essential "preparation" for powering through the new year ahead. By taking in nature's gifts with all five senses, your mind and body can return to their natural state of health, letting you move forward into daily life feeling refreshed.

Tips for Enjoying Nanakusa no Hi

• Prepare a freshly cooked pot of nanakusa-gazu for breakfast and share a wish for a healthy year with your family over a calm, warm meal.
• Pick up a seven-herb set sold at the supermarket and take time to observe the shape and scent of each leaf, enjoying the early arrival of spring with all your senses.
• Before eating the porridge, do some light stretching or deep breathing to settle your stomach and switch your body from "New Year mode" into "active mode."
• In the spirit of "January 7th, the reset day," set concrete rules today for getting your sleep schedule and eating habits back on track after the indulgence of the New Year.

A Healthy Body Supports Brilliant New Challenges Ahead

January 7th is a day when your vitality is refreshed and renewed, letting you feel energy welling up from within. Having taken in the power of young spring greens, you'll find you have the strength to clear even the highest walls with ease. Treasuring your health -- your greatest asset -- is the shortest route to making your dreams a reality. May today be a day that leaves you feeling light in body and mind, the perfect first step toward a refreshing and healthy year!