 | |
| Type | Wagashi |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Mochi, fruit ofGardenia jasminoides,water caltrop,Gnaphalium affine |
Hishi mochi (菱餅 / ひしもち) is a symbolicJapanese sweet associated with theHinamatsuri "Girl's Day" festival, which coincides with the calendar date forXiuxi(上巳). The sweet is diamond shaped and typically formed from three layers of red (pink), white, and greenmochi, from top to bottom.[1][2] Depending on region, red may be substituted for yellow, or the sweet may have 5 or 7 layers instead. It is usually presented withhina dolls.
The shape is believed to have originated in theEdo period, and to be a representation of fertility.
The red of the mochi are derived from fruits ofGardenia jasminoides (山梔子), and is symbolic of peach flowers. The white is made from thewater caltrop (菱,hishi), and represents the snow and its cleansing effects. Finally, the green is fromGnaphalium affine (ハハコグサ) ormugwort[3] likekusa mochi, and is believed to be a restorative that improves the blood.[1]