Beans Beans The Magical Fruit

Tomorrow is setsubun, which is actually a term used to refer to the beginning of any season in Japan, but is generally used to describe spring setsubun - February 3rd.

This day was traditionally viewed as a kind of New Year’s Day, and features beans, in a ceremony named mamemaki.

Beans are thrown at demons while you chant, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons Out! Luck In!)
If you can’t find a demon, a member of the family wearing an appropriate mask is more than good enough. There are also ceremonies held at shrines, so if you’ve got nothing else to do tomorrow, why not go demon hunting?

I know I will.

Friday, February 2nd, 2007 Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Traditions Trackback URL for this entry