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Our Home’s Bean Throwing Ceremony

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Feb 3rd marks the ending of winter, with Feb. 4th signaling the start of Spring. As a result, for Setsubun (Feb. 3rd) exciting and special festivities take place.



Roasted beans and paper demon mask : 100 yen (Daiso), Plastic demon mask: 100 yen (Daiso)

 

In Japan the 4th day of February marks the start of “spring” and the transition of seasons. As a reslut, February 3rd is celebrated as Setsubun. The day before springs begins, is essentially like New Year’s Eve. One last chance to release all of your misfortune and woe that has been carried throughout the year. During this special day there is also a unique tradition that we follow. With the end of winter, beans can begin to be planted. The symbolic incarnation of evil and misfortune is represented by “demons” could be held at bay with the use of magical roasted beans. The beans actually don’t have to be roasted. But when using un-roasted beans, if you  forget to pick them up the will begin to bud after use and will end up being an eyesore! The specific etiquette for beans maki varies from region to region and from home to home.



Put the beans in a bowl for easy access. OK!
This year Papa will be the demon. Time for our Bean Throwing Party!^^

Prepare the roasted beans,「鬼は外！副は内！」(oni ha soto! Fuku ha uchi!) (Demons out! Luck in!) shout this chant as you toss beans at a demon, then eat the equivalent of your age in beans. This is considered the standard. From the 100 yen shop you can find a bunch of seasonal merchandise fitting for the occasion. Every year I get my supplies from the 100 yen shop!^^

Original Author: Asuka

Japankuru Japanese Editorial Team

Japankuru Japanese Editorial Team

Stories from Japankuru's Japanese staff.

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