Each year on November 15, boys and girls who are three years of age, boys who are five, and girls who are seven years old all celebrate a special birthday called “shichi-go-san” which means “7-5-3.” Before modern times, children were often lost to disease and infection before reaching these ages, so families would celebrate the survival of their children. Thanks were given at Shinto and Buddhist shrines for the continued health and prosperity of the birthday children. The children were cleaned, dressed in beautiful new clothes for the occasion, and accompanied their family to the temple. Traditionally everyone’s birthday was celebrated on New Year’s Day. However Japan has adopted many Western ideas, and it is customary now to celebrate individual birthdays with parties, flowers, and gifts on the actual date of birth.

Rare Cheesecake

Non-baked cheesecakes are called “rare cheese cake” in Japan. These types of cold cheesecakes are served with fresh fruits or fruit sauces. You don’t have to use oven to make a rare cheesecake.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup and 2 tbsps plain yogurt

1/3 cup sugar

2 tbsps lemon juice

1 tbsp powder gelatine

1/4 cup water

For Crust: 1 cup crushed graham crackers & 3 tbsps butter & 1 tbsp sugar

PREPARATION:

Mix powder gelatine and water in a small cup and set aside. Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a round cake pan (8 inch). Stir cream cheese in a bowl until soften.

Put water and gelatine mixture into microwave and heat for a min. Add yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, and gelatine into softened cream cheese and mix well. Pour the filling into the crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Serve with your favorite fruit or jam.

Sources:

Birthday traditions, http://www.send-great-flowers.com/birthday-traditions.html#japan

Rare cheesecake photo (edited), http://www.flickr.com/photos/mysweets/2482165226

Rare cheesecake recipe, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080209071608AAc74mW