Ohigan Wagashi: Crochet Ohagi Pattern・お彼岸の和菓子: かぎ針編みおはぎの作り方
Today is the autumnal equinox, or Shuubun no Hi 秋分の日 in Japan. It is a central date during the autumn Ohigan 御彼岸 , a week-long Japanese Buddhist holiday during which the Japanese pay respects to their ancestors by cleaning the graves, praying or reciting sutras, burning incense and making offerings. In Japan, the autumn Ohigan is never without ohagi おはぎ . Ohagi is traditionally offered and eaten during the autumn Ohigan, as offerings to honour one's ancestors and to express gratitude. A traditional wagashi made of lightly pounded glutinous rice covered with azuki bean paste , ohagi is a simple confection that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Read on for more or jump to the pattern . An autumn Ohigan offering: ohagi with chunky azuki bean paste and with soybean powder ( kinako ). I tried to recreate the bumpy texture of traditional ohagi by using mini bean stitches , and the texture of kinako ohagi by using chenille yarn . Ohagi are eaten during Obon or Ohigan be...
