Setsubun
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Get ready to drive away evil spirits and welcome good luck with traditional bean-throwing celebrations on Setsubun!
Get ready to celebrate the traditional Japanese holiday of Setsubun on February 3! This day marks the beginning of spring in Japan and is a time to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. One of the most popular customs on this day is throwing roasted soybeans at temples and shrines while shouting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (Out with the demons, in with fortune). It's also a time for delicious food, like eating uncut sushi rolls called eho-maki for good luck. Let's learn more about this unique and festive holiday!
Ehomaki is a traditional food eaten on Setsubun, which consists of a thick sushi roll filled with seven different ingredients. Try making your own Ehomaki rolls at home and have fun experimenting with different fillings.
Many temples and shrines in Japan hold Setsubun festivals with traditional performances and rituals. Attend one of these festivals to experience the cultural significance of Setsubun first-hand.
During Setsubun, people wear Oni masks to represent the evil spirits being driven away. Join in on the tradition by wearing an Oni mask and participating in Mamemaki, where you throw roasted soybeans to drive away evil and bring good luck for the year ahead.
Take some time to research the origins and cultural significance of Setsubun. This will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday as you celebrate it.
Oni-sugars are small candies shaped like Oni masks, often given to friends and family as a token of good luck on Setsubun. Try making your own Oni-sugars and give them out to loved ones to spread the holiday spirit.
Setsubun is a unique Japanese holiday that celebrates the start of spring by driving away evil spirits with roasted soybeans. It's not something you see every day, making it a fun and interesting tradition to be a part of!
Setsubun is often celebrated with families and communities coming together to perform rituals and eat special foods. It's a great opportunity to bond with loved ones and partake in something meaningful.
After a long, cold winter, Setsubun signals the arrival of spring. This brings hope for warmer weather, new beginnings, and fresh starts. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to clean and declutter their home during this time?