🍡 Kashiwa Mochi (Leaf Wrapped Mochi)
In Shimane Prefecture, during the Boys' Festival (Tango no Sekku), a snack known as "kashiwamochi" is commonly made and enjoyed by children. Despite being called "kashiwa" (oak) mochi, the leaves of the kashiwa tree do not naturally grow in the area. Instead, a local tradition has developed using leaves from the sarutoriibara plant as a substitute. The name "kashiwamochi" varies by region. In the eastern part of the prefecture, it is known as "kataramochi," in the western part, including Oda, it is called "maki," and in the Oki Islands, it is referred to as "katarimanji." Additionally, there is another type called "sasamaki" in Oki, using the same name "maki." This diversity in names within the prefecture reflects the depth of regional traditions. The leaves of sarutoriibara also have various names, such as katarano leaf, maki leaf, and katarino leaf. Sarutoriibara leaves belong to a thorny, woody vine plant that entwines itself around other plants as it grows. The name "sarutoriibara" is said to come from the idea that even monkeys can't escape once caught in its thorns, hence the name "saru-tori-ibara" (monkey-catching thorns).