Japanese New Year doesn't start without Osechi!
There should be three different kind of tapas in the first layer, grilled food in the second layer, and simmered food in the last layer.
My grandfather was a very traditional Japanese man. In the early morning of January 1st, he waited for us in the room which had a family altar and home shrine. (By the time he sat and waited, he of course finished his first prayer!) He was all dressed in Kimono which has our family crest. He performed seasonal greetings in a very traditional way and passed Sake among the family. He wouldn't accept any excuse not to be there or not to drink Sake. (Even one small sip of Sake tasted awful for a 6 year old girl!) We had to start the year as perfect as possible, and the ceremony led by the head of the family.
The first day of the year is very special day for Japanese people. Everything restarts. Each food in the box has a meaning. The herring roe should pray for the prosperity of descendants, which I didn't cook. The black beans should pray for hard work, which I didn't cook. The prawn should pray for long life, which yes, I cooked!
There is also a meaning why we use this layered box, "The luck should come over and over". Most of dishes we use for New Year are made in Japanese lacquer.
