It's one of our traditional events to eat a Japanese sweet cake called "Minazuki" at the end of June before July arrives. "Minazuki" means June. I got this cake from a bakery and enjoyed it with my family yesterday. It's a traditional steamed mochi cake made from rice powder and sugar and topped with sweetened red beans. The cake represents our wish both to avoid bad fortune and to survive the harsh summer heat. The slightly translucent white mochi depicts cool ice and the red beans are believed to be an auspicious food that can fend off evil.
The first half of 2024 is over today, June 30th, it's time for us to
reflect on our lives during the first six months of the year and purify
our minds hoping for the other half of the year to be peaceful. It's a
good time for us to pause for thought before we start again and attempt
to stay healthy in mind and body for the latter part of the year. Many
Shinto shrines also conduct a ritual today. I love these old customs
from the past that show as much respect for the spiritual side of life
as for the enjoyment of the special foods they involve.
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