The practice of Setsubun

Setsubun is a popular Japanese festival that takes place on the eve of the first day of spring (according to the lunar calendar), which is February 3rd.

The origin of Setsubun

“Setsubun” (節分) is a word composed of two characters: “season” and “divide.” It was a day that once marked the end of one season and the beginning of another , a transition believed to allow evil to infiltrate more easily. Thus, a ritual called “tsuina” (追儺), originating in China, was introduced to the Imperial Court of Japan: this ritual was believed to drive away evil spirits and demons . It spread throughout Japan, and the population began to practice it in their own way, by throwing beans.

It is also said that a major Buddhist deity taught priests whose temple in Kyoto was then under attack by a demon that by throwing beans into its eyes, the demon would be annihilated.

The seasons change four times a year, so there are four Setsubun before each new season, but in reality, only the very first one of the year has gained importance and is still celebrated today!

But why do the Japanese throw away roasted beans?

Like many Japanese festivals and cultural elements, this is a play on words in the Japanese language, which is full of homonyms. For example, the words for "bean" and "destroy demons" are pronounced the same way: "mame"! And both "to roast" and "to shoot someone" are pronounced "iru." Thus, throwing roasted beans into the hearth was believed to shoot demons in the eyes and was a way to drive away evil spirits.

Another distinctive feature: beans are seeds, and therefore a source of life; they are seen as a positive symbol that allows the continuation of the family line. In Japanese, there is also the expression “mamé mamé-shiku hataraku” (まめまめしく働く), meaning to work diligently and make an effort, a vow made for oneself and one's loved ones.

What do Japanese people do today during Setsubun?

If you visit Japan in late January, you'll see many bean-based products in supermarkets: roasted beans ("fuku mame"), multicolored beans ("go-shoku mame"), individual packets of small, round, crunchy candies, and often numerous paper masks depicting a red-faced demon for customers buying roasted beans. The tradition of throwing beans is still very much alive today, more for its festive aspect than for any ancient belief.

In families with young children, parents put on demon or "oni" masks, and the children throw roasted beans (or paper balls) at them while shouting, "Demons out! Happiness stays at home!" (鬼は外！福は内！oni ha soto, fuku ha uchi). Other families throw beans toward the entryway while shouting, "Demons out!", close the doors and windows (which have been opened beforehand) once the demons have left, and then scatter beans throughout the house. To avoid spending too much time cleaning up, the beans can remain in their individual wrappers!

What do people eat during Setsubun?

Beans! But only the same number of beans as your age. It's the beans that are thrown that are eaten: since they have allowed happiness to remain in the home, they are all the more precious.

In some parts of Japan, it was once said that eating Setsubun (a type of roasted bean) added another year to one's age, guaranteeing good health for a whole year. In some families, eating an extra bean is said to ensure good health for the following year as well.

Another very popular dish is “ehomaki” . It is a maki (rice rolled in a nori sheet) made up of 7 ingredients in reference to the 7 gods of happiness: slices of gourd, shiitake mushrooms, omelet, eel, cucumber and pink-tinted fish powder.

A very long maki roll is prepared, and it must be eaten while facing the direction that is considered lucky that year. Each person must eat a whole maki roll, without speaking, without cutting it into pieces, otherwise their luck would be "broken." It would be a shame to bring bad luck upon oneself after going to so much trouble!

While both of these foods are particularly well-known and widely consumed, some people in the Osaka region eat sardines. Those living near Tokyo eat a soup called "kenchin-jiru." In the Nagano region, where soba noodles are a regional specialty, they eat "setsubun soba." Not unlike the soba noodles typically eaten throughout the year, it's still an opportunity to enjoy shrimp, a seafood reputed to promote longevity.

Do the Japanese celebrate?

Every event in life is a merchandising opportunity. You'll find numerous items featuring "oni" demon designs: plates, paper napkins, chopstick rests, plush toys... everything you need to decorate your table for the occasion. As for festivals and rituals, many are held throughout Japan, often involving bean throwing and the appearance of demons. Among the most notable are:

• Sensō-ji Temple (Tokyo)

• Yoshida Shrine (Kyoto)

• Rosan-ji Temple (Kyoto)

• Naritasan Fudôson Temple (Osaka)

• The Nagata-jinja Shrine (Kobe)

If your trip to Japan takes place during this period, be sure to visit one of these temples or shrines. Your AYUMI Travel advisor will be happy to find a festival where you can experience Japanese popular culture.