“Okuizome” (first meal) for Lui
Okuizome is the “First Meal” Ceremony for a baby on the 100th Day of Life. We try to live with Japanese tradition as much as possible here in U.S. Happy 100 days to my love Lui!
Okuizome for My Son: A Celebration of Life and Tradition
As a father, there are few things more precious than witnessing your child's milestones. Today, I had the privilege of preparing the first meal for my son's Okuizome, a traditional Japanese ceremony that marks a baby's 100th day of life. This is a significant event in a child's life, and it's an opportunity for the family to come together and celebrate.
In Japan, Okuizome is a time-honored tradition that dates back many centuries. It's a way for families to express gratitude for a child's birth and wish the baby a long and healthy life. The ceremony is often held in a Shinto shrine or temple, where the family prays for the baby's well-being and prosperity. The ceremony typically involves the parents, grandparents, and other family members, who gather to witness the baby's first taste of solid food.
The food served during Okuizome is highly symbolic and carries great meaning. The traditional menu includes rice, soup, and fish, which are important staples in Japanese cuisine. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented, and the baby is given a taste in a specific order.
One of the most important aspects of Okuizome is the use of special tableware and decorations. The baby's first meal is served on a special sekihan zen decorated with auspicious symbols such as cherry blossoms and cranes. The family also decorates the room with good luck and prosperity symbols, such as red and white banners, lucky charms, and flowers.
As I prepared the meal for my son's Okuizome, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and gratitude. I thought about the journey we've been on as a family and how much our lives have changed since our son was born. It was a moment of reflection and appreciation, and I felt incredibly blessed to share this special occasion with my family.
Okuizome is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that reflects the importance of family, community, and cultural heritage in Japanese culture. It's a way for families to come together, celebrate the birth of a new life, and express their hopes and wishes for the future. As Japanese living in the United States, we must keep this tradition alive and pass it on to future generations so that our cultural heritage remains an integral part of our lives.
As we celebrated my son's Okuizome, I was reminded of the importance of family and tradition. These moments make life truly meaningful, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share them with you. Here's to many more milestones and celebrations in the future!
-
2023
- May 14, 2023 Biceps Rissoto
- Feb 14, 2023 Chicken Confit
- Jan 31, 2023 Wild Boar with Wagyu Ragù
- Jan 8, 2023 Lobster and Salmon Roe Pasta
- Jan 7, 2023 “Okuizome” (first meal) for Lui
- Jan 1, 2023 Osechi 2023
-
2022
- Dec 25, 2022 French Cassoulet 2022
- Dec 24, 2022 Duck breast marmalade
- Nov 24, 2022 Thanksgiving 2022
- Nov 19, 2022 Buffalo Testicle
- Nov 6, 2022 Meal Prep for my Family
- Aug 21, 2022 Pescatore Boston
- Aug 14, 2022 Mussels Italian Style
- Aug 12, 2022 Steak with foie gras
- Jan 31, 2022 Capon Covered with Caul Fat
- Jan 1, 2022 Osechi 2022
-
2021
- Dec 25, 2021 French Cassoulet 2021
- Dec 24, 2021 Duck breast Balsamic vinegar glaze
- Nov 25, 2021 Thanksgiving 2021
- Sep 18, 2021 Pigeonneau (squab)
- Sep 12, 2021 Summer Salad
- Jul 25, 2021 Bison Bulgogi
- Jul 18, 2021 Bison Bolognese
- Jul 4, 2021 Epic Surf & Turf
- Jun 26, 2021 OMAD
- May 7, 2021 Pan Seared Pork Chops
- Apr 25, 2021 Rice malt marinated NY strip steak
- Apr 17, 2021 Pasta & Salad
- Mar 6, 2021 Lamb Ribs with Blackcurrant sauce
- Mar 3, 2021 Chicken with Mustard Butter Sauce
- Feb 26, 2021 Joi's Ginisang Pechay with Ground Pork and Shrimp
- Feb 14, 2021 “Okuizome” (first meal) for Lumi
- Jan 31, 2021 Slow Braised Wild Bore
- Jan 1, 2021 Osechi 2021
-
2020
- Dec 25, 2020 French Cassoulet 2020
- Dec 24, 2020 Sauteed Duck breast with Foie Gras
- Nov 26, 2020 Thanksgiving 2020
- Sep 20, 2020 Buffalo Testicles Stew
- Aug 16, 2020 Beef Tongue Stew
- Jun 16, 2020 Kitchari Cleanse
- May 9, 2020 Tagliatelle con Gamberi e Melanzane
- Feb 15, 2020 Pasta Negra con Langostinos
- Feb 14, 2020 Salted Cod on Carrot Purée
-
2019
- Dec 28, 2019 New England Favorite
- Nov 28, 2019 Thanksgiving 2019
- Aug 4, 2019 Buffalo Spleen
- May 12, 2019 Pichania
- Mar 29, 2019 Probiotic Sour Soup
- Feb 14, 2019 Uni carbonara
- Jan 31, 2019 Faisan rôti
-
2018
- Nov 23, 2018 Thanksgiving 2018
- Oct 22, 2018 Short Rib or Vegan Bolognese
- Jun 18, 2018 Meatless Monday
- May 5, 2018 Venison Medley
- Jan 31, 2018 Beef tongue
- Jan 1, 2018 New year 2018
-
2017
- Dec 25, 2017 Cassoulet
- Nov 20, 2017 Fermented Foods
- Sep 2, 2017 Crépinette
- Jul 16, 2017 Sourdough Bread
- May 7, 2017 Kombucha Challenge
- Apr 28, 2017 Keto Meal Ideas
- Apr 3, 2017 Miracle Noodles
- Jan 31, 2017 Braised lamb belly
- Jan 7, 2017 Venison Steak
-
2016
- Dec 9, 2016 Beaujolais nouveau & Venison
- Oct 16, 2016 Gibier and Bordeaux
- Sep 20, 2016 Lapin Braisé à la Bière
- Jul 16, 2016 Opus One 2008
- Jul 3, 2016 Meatless Meatball
- Jul 1, 2016 Paleo Friendly Plate
- May 22, 2016 Le Fromage de Tête
- May 6, 2016 Gluten Free Challenge 4
- Apr 28, 2016 Spaghetti Squash
- Apr 21, 2016 Intermittent Fasting
- Apr 16, 2016 Potée
- Apr 14, 2016 Sauerkraut
- Mar 27, 2016 Gluten Free Challenge 3
- Mar 18, 2016 Detox Pasta
- Feb 24, 2016 COTELETTES D'AGNEAU
- Feb 21, 2016 Ratatouille
- Feb 9, 2016 Atelierkitchen Zen 3
- Jan 21, 2016 Galette for Cheat Meal
- Jan 14, 2016 Zucchini Pasta
-
2015
- Nov 30, 2015 Filet de Canard à la grenade
- May 24, 2015 Osso Bucco lamb shank
- May 7, 2015 Paella de Quinoa
- Apr 7, 2015 Gluten Free Challenge 2
- Mar 31, 2015 Gluten Free Challenge
- Mar 17, 2015 Atelierkitchen Zen 2
- Mar 11, 2015 Fegatto di Vittello al burro all'aglio
-
2014
- Oct 17, 2014 Atelierkitchen Zen
- Sep 15, 2014 Duck Again!
- Aug 18, 2014 Duck is the best
- Jun 16, 2014 Caramelized Pork belly
- Jun 9, 2014 Monkfish Risotto
- May 27, 2014 Summer Vegetables Curry
- May 15, 2014 Beef achilles
- May 8, 2014 Crystal Clear Ramen
- Feb 3, 2014 Choux farci au Saumon (Salmon stuffed Cabbage)
-
2013
- Jun 13, 2013 Chicken with Avocado Pesto
- Apr 1, 2013 Manitas de cerdo guisadas
- Mar 20, 2013 Fiber Madness Marinara Sauce
-
2012
- Nov 11, 2012 Pumpkin Carbonara
- Sep 22, 2012 Pate de Fois
- Sep 12, 2012 Pulpo a la Gallega
- Sep 7, 2012 Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken, Red and Green
- Sep 6, 2012 Shrimp and Eggplant with Spicy tomato
- Jul 26, 2012 Black ink Pasta with Shrimp and Scallop
- Jul 19, 2012 Lobster Pasta with Tomato Cream Pasta
- Jun 16, 2012 Ragu alla Bolognese
- Jun 16, 2012 Bolognese with Eggplant
- Jun 6, 2012 Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
- Jun 4, 2012 Homemade Sangria
- May 20, 2012 Spring Vegetable with Cream sauce Pasta
- May 15, 2012 Carbonara
- May 9, 2012 Risotto di Vongole e Fungi
- Mar 28, 2012 Squid and Sea Urchin with Lemon Pasta
- Mar 28, 2012 Luxury Seafood with Tomato Cream Pasta
- Mar 19, 2012 Linguine alle Vongole Rosso
- Mar 18, 2012 Linguine alle Vongole Bianco