Setsubun (Feb. 3)

Article: https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/what-is-setsubun-22094 https://nationaltoday.com/setsubun/

What is Setsubun? Traditional Bean-Throwing Event in February Japan has a number of traditional annual events such as Hinamatsuri (ひな祭り) in March and Tanabata (七夕) in July. They have unique origins and meanings, and are carried out in unique, traditional ways nationwide throughout the year. Setsubun (節分) is one of these traditional Japanese events. Setsubun involves a lot of bean eating and bean throwing to ward off evil spirits that bring disaster, misfortune and bad health and marks the end of winter. It is celebrated at home and there are some famous public events at temples that are fun to visit. Although the event still might be unfamiliar to many international tourists, learning about it will help you understand the Japanese tradition more deeply and enjoy the event. Here we’ll explain the meaning and the celebrations.

What is Setsubun? The word Setsubun (節分) literally means the division of two seasons: Winter and Spring. According to the lunar calendar that was once officially used in Japan, Setsubun refers to the close of winter, which also celebrates the arrival of spring called Risshun (立春). It may sound confusing as February is still cold and generally considered as a part of winter today. It is said after Risshun, the cold weather will get milder.

When is Setsubun in 2023? One of the features that you should remember about Setsubun is that the date of the event is not fixed. It may change depending on Risshun, which also has a flexible date between February 2nd to 4th. It’s been on February 3rd in the last 30 years but in 2021, it was on February 2nd and it will be so once every 4 years. In 2023, Setsubun is on February 3rd.

History (1/2) Tsuina or Setsubun originated from a religion called Nuo Folk from the Tujia community in China in the 8th century. Nuo folk practices exorcism where demons are forced to leave a person using various methods. In the 13th century, these evil spirits were exorcised by burning wood, dried heads of sardines, and beating drums loudly. This practice continues in Japan today, but with roasted soybeans in a practice called ‘mamemaki,’ the beans are either thrown out the door of your home or at a family member wearing a demon’s mask while shouting “Devil out! Fortune in!” People then eat roasted soybeans, believed to bring good fortune, and where one bean represents each year of life. An additional one is enjoyed to bring good luck in the coming year. It’s also common in present-day Japan, to see dried sardine heads and holly leaves hanging outside houses, the purpose of which is to drive away demons.

History (2/2) In the Kansai region, people observe Setsubun by eating special sushi rolls called ‘eho-maki’ that are believed to bring good luck when eaten while facing the ‘lucky direction,’ determined by that year’s zodiac sign. For instance, the lucky direction of 2021 was South-South-East. Now, this tradition has spread to other areas of Japan as well. Since the day celebrates a change of season, people also dress up as their ‘opposite’ where, for example, young girls dress up as older women and vice versa or where men dress up as women.

History (alternate article) In general, it is believed that Setsubun has its origin in China. It was introduced to Japan during the Heian Period (794-1185), as it appeared in historical records and documents dating back to that time. During the Muromachi Period(1336-1573), they started to throw beans to drive away demons that represent the evil spirits who will bring all the disasters and tragic events. This remains one of the biggest parts of the event even today. As a staple food that was essential for them to survive, beans were believed to have sacred power along with rice, which could get rid of evil spirits. The Japanese word for beans is pronounced as mame (豆) and sounds similar to the word for demon eyes (mame, 魔目) and because of that throwing beans has a similar sound to destroying demons (mametsu, 魔滅).

Things to do on Setsubun Mamemaki (豆まき) Mamemaki (豆まき), the throwing of roasted soybeans around your house, is the most general custom that is exclusively carried out on Setsubun. It is said best to start off with the room that is located the farthest from the entrance. Keep windows open as you throw the beans so that evil spirits can leave. Another custom, especially for small children, is throwing beans at a family member who is disguised as an oni demon.

We usually say “Oni wa Soto, Fuku wa Uchi!” (鬼は外、福は内！) as we scatter beans around the house or throw them at the demons. It means “Demons out, fortune in!” in English. In addition, many people will eat the same number of roasted beans as their age, this is said to bring good health. Many shrines and temples also hold bean throwing ceremonies, where the priest throws beans, chocolate, money and other prizes into the crowd. At popular temples, these events are joined by Japanese celebrities.

Ehomaki (恵方巻) Ehomaki is a unique type of sushi roll that is generally eaten only on Setsubun. It can be translated as Fortune Sushi Roll in English, and relatively long and big compared to the ordinary Sushi rolls that you can find at sushi restaurants. In general, it is considered good to use seven ingredients such as tuna and egg for Ehomaki as the number is often associated with “Lucky”. It also comes from the fact that we have 7 famous gods of fortune called Shichifukujin (七福神) in Japan!

When you eat Ehomaki, you need to face the direction that is believed to bring you good fortune during the year. Make sure to check the direction beforehand as it changes every year. It is also important to make a wish with your eyes closed while eating Ehomaki. People eat the entire roll at one time without stopping (or giving up).