Why do people throw beans during Setsubun?

The bean-throwing ritual, known as mamemaki, is performed to ward off evil spirits and invite good luck into the home. People shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Fortune in!") while throwing roasted soybeans.

Who usually throws the beans in the mamemaki ceremony?

Traditionally, the head of the household or someone born in the same zodiac year as the current year throws the beans. However, in modern celebrations, children and other family members often participate.

Can tourists participate in Setsubun events?

Yes! Many temples and shrines welcome visitors to take part in mamemaki ceremonies and other Setsubun traditions. Some places even provide English guidance for tourists.

What foods are traditionally eaten during Setsubun?

Aside from Ehomaki, people eat: * **Roasted soybeans** – For good luck (one for each year of life). * **Grilled sardines (Iwashi)** – To keep demons away. * **Ginger sake (Shōgazake)** – To warm the body and cleanse evil spirits.

Setsubun: The Festival of Spring in Japan

Bolli Thoroddsen

Mar 13, 2024

Contents

Spring is a time of renewal, and in Japan, it's celebrated with the annual festival of Setsubun. This traditional holiday marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, and is celebrated with a number of unique and festive activities that have become an unmissable part of Japanese culture.

Setsubun is typically celebrated on February 3rd and is a time for families to come together to mark the end of the old season and welcome the new. The word Setsubun means "seasonal division," and the holiday is a time to symbolically drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune into the home.

One of the most famous and recognizable activities associated with Setsubun is the "mamemaki" ceremony. During this ceremony, participants throw roasted soybeans out of their homes and temples to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The beans are typically thrown by the head of the household while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" which means "Demons out! Fortune in!" Family members and friends will then scramble to pick up as many of the thrown beans as they can, as it is believed that each bean collected represents one year of good luck.

In addition to the mamemaki ceremony, many temples and shrines throughout Japan will hold special Setsubun festivals that feature traditional dances, music, and food. One popular event is the Eho-maki festival, which involves eating a special type of sushi roll while facing the lucky direction of the year.

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Another traditional aspect of Setsubun is the use of masks, with many people donning Oni masks to represent the demons being chased away. The Oni masks are often brightly colored and can be quite frightening in appearance, adding to the excitement and energy of the festival.

If you're traveling to Japan during the Setsubun period, be sure to experience some of the festivities for yourself. Participating in the mamemaki ceremony or visiting a Setsubun festival is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and to see the unique customs and traditions of this fascinating country.

Setsubun is a time for families to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring, marking the end of winter and the start of a new season. With its unique customs and traditions, this festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan during the early months of the year. So pack your bags, grab your lucky Oni mask, and head to Japan to experience the joy and excitement of Setsubun.