Kuromame has been eaten to encourage the ability to work hard and lead a healthy life ("mame" in Japanese means hard-working and good health), because it was said that its black color has the effect of charming evil spirits. |
黒には魔よけの力が有るとされていたので、まめ(勤勉)に働き、まめ(健康)に暮らせることを願って食べられた。 |