Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church at 3001 24th Ave. S. invites the community to Seattle Mochitsuki 2012 on Saturday, December 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mochitsuki is a Japanese tradition of preparing mochi (餅, pounded rice cakes), which is a vital part of the New Year’s Day celebration. Making mochi is a lengthy and strenuous process, but it’s also a time for socializing with friends and family.

The church says:

“It is said that rice or gohan translates to “honorable food” and it therefore purifies the body and encourages wealth for the New Year. Come and take part in this cool Seattle cultural celebration and enjoy good health and wealth wishes while learning about historical and current mochi making!”

The event is free (except for the food truck at the site) and open to all ages. Besides hands-on mochi making, there will also be taiko (Japanese drumming) performances, kids’ activities, samples, and a display of historic mochi-making tools.

Mochi made during the Mochitsuki will be rolled into bite-size pieces and sold. Due to the strenuous 24-hour labor involved with making mochi, it will only be available through preorder through December 25 at the website or by calling 206-568-7114. One dozen mochi are $6, and a half-dozen are $3.