Why Do We Eat “Inoko Mochi” When the Heater Becomes Appealing?

As the cold sets in and we start craving warmth, tea ceremonies also mark “Inoko Day” with special rituals, opening the hearth to prepare for winter. Eating “Inoko Mochi” is another tradition of the season. Let’s explore the meaning behind enjoying this delicacy, a custom dating back to the Heian period.

What Is “Inoko”?

In the lunar calendar, October is the “Month of the Boar,” and the first “Boar Day” is called “Inoko.” This custom, originating in China, involves eating mochi mixed with grains like soybeans or azuki beans to wish for health. This tradition even appears in Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji, evoking a sense of romance in imagining its characters enjoying it.

Why Eat Mochi on “Inoko”?

Eating mochi on “Inoko” carries wishes for good health. In ancient times, avoiding illness was crucial due to limited medical knowledge. In the Kamakura period, the boar’s fertility symbolized family prosperity, and the custom of eating “Inoko Mochi” spread among samurai households.

How Is “Inoko” Related to Tea Ceremony?

From the Edo period, “Inoko” also involved preparing heating tools like the hearth or kotatsu. According to Yin-Yang Five Elements Theory, the boar represents water, believed to suppress fire, hence offering protection from fires. The hearth opening aligns with “Inoko” to prepare for warmth and safety. Even today, tea ceremonies honor this custom, celebrating the season with “Inoko Mochi.”

Recognising the Significance of Ancient Traditions

Whether for health, family prosperity, or home safety, ancient customs carry wishes that have been cherished through time. Likewise, in tea ceremony, we gain deeper understanding by appreciating “why” these practices continue. Through tea rituals and traditional events, we cherish warm moments rooted in heartfelt intentions.