Setsubun

Image by siren7

Today, February 3rd is Setsubun no hi (節分の日) which marks the start of the spring season risshun(立春) in Japan. The word Setsubun literally means a division of the seasons. Setsubun no hi is not an official national holiday, but it is celebrated in ways meant to drive away evil spirits and bad luck and bring in good luck.


It is custom on Setsubun no hi for people of all ages to throw beans and shout “oni wa soto fuku wa uchi”, which basically means Out with the demons and in with good luck! It is traditionally believed that the throwing of beans and shouting would drive away the demons of misfortune and thus allow prosperity. Children will often wear masks representing these bad luck demons.

Another tradition is to eat the number of beans corresponding to your age.

Another way to celebrate is by eating a big, long, fat, uncut sushi roll called ehou-maki.