Do you know what a 'cocoon ball' is?

These are lucky ornaments displayed in homes and shops during the Small New Year (15 February in the lunar calendar).

It is past the time of year, but just the other day I found this cocoon ball at the kappo restaurant Uwokura in Niigata City ( http://www.kappou-uokura.com/ ), where this cocoon ball is displayed every year, so I took a photograph.

'Cocoons' decorated with colourful ornaments

Snapper and rice bales.

千両小判や、色んな色に塗られた丸い玉。

これは仏様でしょうか？とにかく色鮮やかで、どこか温かい飾りがたくさん。曇や雨雪の多い越後の厳しい冬を、晴れやかに彩ってくれますね。

When we asked where they were purchased, we were told that they were from Taya Shoten in Niigata City. Taya Shoten's website has a detailed description of cocoon balls.

Taya Shoten: http://mayudama-taya.jp/

The Echigo-Tsumari cocoon ball decoration dates from the Edo period.

Between 1848 and 1854, the Echigo (Kakubei) lion master Hangoro and his troupe were touring Shinshu and performing dances. At the home of a wealthy farmer, coloured paper koban, bales and silkworm cocoons were hung from willow branches in the tatami room to pray for a bountiful harvest. After seeing this, Hangoro came back to Echigo and tried to imitate them, baking and making them from rice cakes. (Quote from the Taya Shoten website)

Yes, it seems to be unique in that it is made from 'glutinous rice'. There are cocoon ball decorations throughout the country, but Taya Shoten seems to be the only company that keeps the tradition of baking and making them from glutinous rice. Moreover, as they are not displayed all year round, they are only produced during the winter months. The ladies of the neighbourhood get together to make them with all their hearts.

The Taya Shoten website introduces the thoughts behind each cocoon shape and how to decorate them.

Taya Shoten: http://mayudama-taya.jp/

The colourful Echigo-Tsumari lucky charms give a nostalgic feeling just by looking at them.