Toshikoshi soba explained

is a traditional Japanese noodle bowl dish eaten on ōmisoka (New Year's Eve, 31 December).^[1]

This custom is intended to enable the household to let go of the year’s hardship because soba noodles are easily cut while eating.

History

The custom differs from area to area and it is also called Japanese: misoka soba, Japanese: tsugomori soba, Japanese: kure soba, Japanese: jumyō soba, Japanese: fuku soba, and Japanese: unki soba.^[2] The tradition started around the Edo period (1603-1867), and there are several traditions that long soba noodles symbolize a long life.^[3] The buckwheat plant can survive severe weather during its growth period, and so soba represents strength and resilience.

See also

• Ōmisoka, the Japanese New Year's Eve
• Japanese cuisine

Notes and References

1. Bill Daley, "New Year's Eve noodles: A savory end to the old year", Chicago Tribune
2. In Japanese misoka, tsugomori, and kure all here designate New Year's Eve; jumyō means lifespan; fuku and unki both means happiness.
3. Bill Daley, "A savory end to the old year: Soba caps busy New Year's Eve", December 29, 2010, Chicago Tribune