🍱 Yakome

For rice farmers, the seed sowing in the seedbeds around the beginning of spring, known as "Minakuchi Matsuri" is considered the most crucial ritual of the year. During this event, farmers welcome the harvest deity to the irrigation gate (rice paddy entrance) to pray for a bountiful harvest. The offerings presented at the irrigation gate are called "Yakome." The term "Yakome" is said to have originated from Yakome and means roasted rice. "Yakome" consists of carefully selected seeds from the previous year's harvest, particularly the leftover rice husks and seeds. These are toasted and offered at the irrigation gate. In addition to "Yakome," seasonal flowers such as irises and peonies, as well as items like paddles and chopsticks used in making Nanakusa-gayu (rice porridge with seven herbs), are also presented. In modern times, "Yakome" refers to a dish made with glutinous rice, short-grain rice, roasted soybeans, and salt. Soybeans, believed to harbor the spirit of the harvest deity, are frequently used in rituals after rice.