Nanakusa-gayu no Hi (Seven Herbs Porridge Day)

On Jonangu's Nanakusa-gayu day, the seven spring herbs — seri, nazuna, suzuna, suzushiro and their companions — are offered before the deities, and worshippers eat a bowl of hot seven-herb rice porridge, taking the fresh strength of the plants into the body and praying for freedom from illness and long life. The custom of giving young greens in spring to wish for health also appears in 'Wakana,' a chapter of The Tale of Genji.