Toso
Toso[edit | edit source]
Toso (屠蘇) is a traditional Japanese spiced sake that is consumed during the New Year celebrations. It is a custom that dates back to the Heian period and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health for the coming year. The drink is typically prepared by steeping a mixture of herbs in sake or mirin, resulting in a sweet and aromatic beverage.
History[edit | edit source]
The tradition of drinking Toso originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period. It was initially consumed by the imperial court and later became popular among the general populace. The practice of drinking Toso is deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, where it is thought to purify the body and soul.
Preparation[edit | edit source]
Toso is made by infusing sake or mirin with a blend of herbs known as "Tososan." The herbs typically include cinnamon, ginger, Japanese pepper, and other aromatic spices. The mixture is left to steep overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. On New Year's Day, the Toso is served in a special set of cups known as "sakazuki," which are shared among family members in a specific order, starting from the youngest to the oldest.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Drinking Toso is more than just a culinary tradition; it is a ritual that symbolizes the renewal of life and the hope for a prosperous year. The act of sharing Toso among family members strengthens familial bonds and is a moment of reflection and gratitude. In some regions of Japan, it is also customary to offer Toso to the kami (gods) as part of the New Year celebrations.
Modern Practices[edit | edit source]
While the traditional preparation of Toso remains popular, modern variations have emerged, including the use of different types of sake or the addition of new spices to suit contemporary tastes. Some families may choose to purchase pre-packaged Toso mixtures for convenience.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
