Toso

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/toso

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the cultural designation?Traditional Japanese New Year's spiced medicinal sake
2. What is the primary alcoholic base?Sake (fermented rice wine)
3. Why do families drink Toso in a special order?The youngest family member drinks first, then the older ones. This shows passing good fortune and keeping family traditions alive.
4. Where did Toso come from?Toso started in ancient China, where people drank spiced wine to stay healthy. It was brought to Japan and changed into the version we drink today.

Shogatsu: The Japanese term for New Year's Day and the holiday period.
Kampo: Traditional Japanese herbal medicine, often influencing Toso spice blends.
Toso-o-toso: A ritualistic drinking order for Toso, from youngest to oldest.