Kagami Biraki refers to the tradition which Kagami Mochi, a pair of decorated rice cakes for
the God, is removed from the family altar and broken into smaller pieces before being eaten. Eating the mochi signifies a prayer for health and good fortune for the New Year.
The literal translation for Kagami is “mirror”, and Biraki means “opening” or “to break”. Why mirror? The name “Kagami” is originated from its resemblance to an old-fashioned round copper mirror, which also had a religious significance, according to Japanese mythology.
There are slight differences with the date based on the region, but January 11th is the most common date for Kagami Biraki as odd numbers are considered auspicious in Japan. In the western part of Japan, it’s celebrated on January 15th. In Kyoto and surrounding area, it’s celebrated on the 4th.
Ancient people believed the food once being offered to the God would have special powers, and they wished for health by eating it with the appreciation to the God.
One thing you have to remember when you break mochi into pieces is never cut it. The action reminds Japanese people of Seppuku (切腹), ritual disembowelment during the the old times, and they believed it as a sign of bad luck. Therefore, the common way is to break it with a wooden hammer or do it with your hands.
The words “kiru” (to cut) and “waru” (to break) have connotations of bad fortune and mishap; therefore, “hiraku“(open) – the original form of “Biraki” – is used in the sense of the opening of new opportunities.
These days not many families decorate the real mochi. Instead, Kagami Mochi-shaped plastic packs can be purchased at grocery stores. Inside the mold, there are individually packaged small mochi pieces for convenience and for better perservation.
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