What is Setsubun?
I would like to explain a Japanese traditional event called Setsubun.
Setsubun refers to the day before the beginning of each season (the first days of spring, summer, fall and winter).
The literal meaning of the word Setsubun is “division of the seasons,”
Since Japanese new year started on the first day of spring back in the day, it is most special day out of all the 4 Setsubun days.
Setsubun signifies the ending of winter and the beginning of spring and usually it’s on February 3rd.
It is believed that a devil-like creature from Japanese folklore called Oni comes when the seasons change in Japan.
There are many rituals to exorcise these oni. The most common way is to throw beans.
Throwing beans has a meaning of chasing away evil spirits, called oni, and to welcome in good luck.
People throw and scatter soy beans inside and outside their houses while saying”Get goblins out of the house! Invite happiness into the home!”
Once the beans are thrown, eat the same number of beans as your age. It is considered that eating one extra would keep you from sickness and stay healthy for the whole year.
