Oiri Sweets

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Sweets for the Bride (oiri, o-iri)

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Humanity

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Explanation




They are made from small round mochi pieces fluffed round in a heater and then colored.
They are given to a bride of the area, so that the newly wedded life will be round and round all over (maruku naru yoo ni).
yomeiri

Speciality of West-Sanuki area, Shikoku.

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The balls made from mochigome rice have a diameter of only one centimeter and the inside is air. When you blow on them slightly, they roll around. They have a light sweet taste.

This custom started in the Edo period around 1587 when the first lord of Sanuki, 生駒親正公, had them made for the bride, using five colors, pink, yellow, orange, white and light blue. Since then they became a special in Marugame. The name comes from "yomeiri" to get married. O-iri can also mean : to need or to roast slightly.

They also say:
If the Oiri balls are nice and round, the bride will be nice and round.



© PHOTO :　tadanocafe
Mister Yamashita makes "Oiri" balls.


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU



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Related words

***** WASHOKU : Regional Japanese Dishes


***** WAGASHI ... Sweets SAIJIKI


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