A touch of gold

Gold is a popular symbol of the New Year in Japan.  Making people think of wealth and prosperity, two big wishes for the turning of the calendar.  Eating it as part of the New Year celebratory foods has become even more popular over the years.

We have always enjoyed a small bottle of sake with gold leaf inside.  It is something special that we only enjoy on the first day of the year.

The gold isn't the cup, it is in the sake!

A small amount of gold leaf is often found on kuromame.  The gold on top of the sweetened black beans is a beautiful sight inside the osechi meal. 

This year I found chips with gold on them.  It was a fun little treat for us to share on New Year's Eve (although I'm sure we were supposed to eat them on New Year's Day).

If gold chips don't strike your fancy, I also found champagne chips.  These really did feel light and even a bit bubbly.  It is hard to explain, but they were pretty fun.

For me, the gold just adds a touch of elegance to the holiday.  I've never really been interested in celebrating New Years, but the intention set behind the holiday and fun way the Japanese celebrate has sucked me in.  I really enjoy the reflection and ritualism of the new beginning.  It feels like creating a clean slate and helps me to approach the coming year with a new vibrancy as well as enthusiasm.