Images from www.gotokyo.org, and kyotofoodie.com.
On February 3rd, Setsubun will be celebrated in Japan. Setsubun is the day preceding the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar (lunar calendar). In the 13th century, it was custom on Setsubun to try to drive away evil spirits from the stench of burning dried sardine heads, the smoke of burning wood and with the noise of drums. Some people today still decorate their house entrances with fish heads and holy tree leaves to deter evil spirits from entering.
Today, it is custom to throw roasted soybeans into the air while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuka wa uchi!" which can translate to "Out with evil! In with fortune!". Afterwards, you pick up and eat the number of beans that corresponds to your age. This custom was originally used to prevent ogres from entering one's house. It is believed that ogres are warded off by throwing beans into the air, and that good fortune will come to your home. According to Japanese tradition, if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will enjoy a year of good health. Events are held all over the country on Setsubun
Have a good week! -Heidi Pohl .
Today, it is custom to throw roasted soybeans into the air while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuka wa uchi!" which can translate to "Out with evil! In with fortune!". Afterwards, you pick up and eat the number of beans that corresponds to your age. This custom was originally used to prevent ogres from entering one's house. It is believed that ogres are warded off by throwing beans into the air, and that good fortune will come to your home. According to Japanese tradition, if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will enjoy a year of good health. Events are held all over the country on Setsubun
Have a good week! -Heidi Pohl .