🍱 Karanamasu

"Karanamasu" is a vinegared dish made from sardines and okara (bean curd). Karanamasu is eaten at festivals and other gatherings, as well as in everyday life. For festive occasions, it is made in the shape of a rabbit and served on a platter, while for festive occasions, it is served on a regular plate. In Sangen-cho, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, a "Housogomori" is held every year on January 15, when everyone gathers in one house. Karanamasu" is still served as a standard dish at the Housogomori. "Houso" is an infectious disease caused by the smallpox virus, which is said to have been introduced to Japan in the 6th century. It became established in Japan during the Edo period and was repeatedly spread. The symptoms of smallpox were so bizarre that people began to believe that there was a "demon god in smallpox," and the custom of worshipping the pox god as the god of smallpox spread. The custom of holding a pemphigus festival to ward off the plague of pemphigus is also said to have developed. When "Karanamasu" is served at events, it is made in the shape of a bale on a large plate for one person at a time.