The sweet tradition: The culinary symbolism of wagashi in Japanese culture

As the study of Japanese cuisine starts to gain a global audience both in gastronomical and academic context, wagashi (Japanese confectionery) remains inadequately discussed in English. Studying the rich traditional connotations behind wagashi contributes to the appreciation and understanding of culinary symbolism in Japanese culture. By analyzing and interpreting wagashi, this thesis demonstrates how food can not only become something invested with rich cultural meaning, but also be inseparable from the construction of cultural elements such as values, religions and aesthetics. In this thesis a general overview of wagashi in terms of its history and classification is introduced first. The section that follows explores how wagashi serves as ritual and religious offerings during special holidays, celebrations and festive occasions. The discussion then gives attention to how the auspicious symbolic connotations of wagashi are connected with important milestones in the life cycle of Japanese people. An argument will also be made regarding the important roles that wagashi plays in Japanese folk customs and folklore significantly reflect its traditional culture. Moreover, wagashi fulfills a symbolic role for not only being a signal of tradition, but also an aesthetic heritage. Thus, by analysis of the semiotics of wagashi, this thesis contributes to a broader acknowledgement of the significance of wagashi and deeper understanding of culinary symbolism in Japanese culture.