Less well known are the summer and winter versions of ohagi, available around the solstices.
Seasonal names for ohagi:
spring = botamochi (牡丹餅 'peony')
summer = yofune (夜舟 'night boat')
autumn = ohagi (御萩 'bush clover')
winter = kita-mado (北窓 'northern window')
4) HAGI
Hagi (萩), mentioned numerous times in the Man'yōshū (万葉集), is one of the great symbols of Autumn.
Representing bashfulness, affection and a meditative spirit, the flower lends its name to 'ohagi' (おはぎ), a sweet of red beans served around the Autumn Equinox (お彼岸).
FOOD FOR THE EQUINOX
Food plays an important roll at Higan (彼岸).
On the first and last day of the equinoctial week, rice dumplings (団子 'dango') are offered at the family altar.
Rice cakes covered in bean jam (botamochi in spring and ohagi in fall) are presented mid-week.
