Hishi mochi

is a symbolic Japanese sweet associated with the calendar date for Xiuxi (上巳) and it is usually presented with hina dolls. The sweet is rhomboid in shape and typically formed from three layers of red(pink), white, and green mochi, from top to bottom. Depending on region, the red may be substituted with yellow, or the sweet may have 5 or 7 layers instead.

The shape is believed to have originated in the Edo period, and a representation of fertility.

Colors

The red of the mochi are derived from fruits of "Gardenia jasminoides" (山梔子), and is symbolic of plum flowers. The white is made from the water caltrop(菱), and represents the snow and its cleansing effects. Finally, the green is from "Gnaphalium affine" (ハハコグサ) or mugwort like kusa mochi, and is believed to be restoratives that improves the blood.

References