Spring is a time of renewal, and in Japan, it's celebrated with the annual festival of Setsubun. This traditional holiday marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, and is celebrated with a number of unique and festive activities that have become an unmissable part of Japanese culture.
Setsubun is typically celebrated on February 3rd and is a time for families to come together to mark the end of the old season and welcome the new. The word Setsubun means "seasonal division," and the holiday is a time to symbolically drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune into the home.
One of the most famous and recognizable activities associated with Setsubun is the "mamemaki" ceremony. During this ceremony, participants throw roasted soybeans out of their homes and temples to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The beans are typically thrown by the head of the household while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" which means "Demons out! Fortune in!" Family members and friends will then scramble to pick up as many of the thrown beans as they can, as it is believed that each bean collected represents one year of good luck.
In addition to the mamemaki ceremony, many temples and shrines throughout Japan will hold special Setsubun festivals that feature traditional dances, music, and food. One popular event is the Eho-maki festival, which involves eating a special type of sushi roll while facing the lucky direction of the year.
This shrine can be visited during this season.
Another traditional aspect of Setsubun is the use of masks, with many people donning Oni masks to represent the demons being chased away. The Oni masks are often brightly colored and can be quite frightening in appearance, adding to the excitement and energy of the festival.
If you're traveling to Japan during the Setsubun period, be sure to experience some of the festivities for yourself. Participating in the mamemaki ceremony or visiting a Setsubun festival is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and to see the unique customs and traditions of this fascinating country.
Setsubun is a time for families to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring, marking the end of winter and the start of a new season. With its unique customs and traditions, this festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan during the early months of the year. So pack your bags, grab your lucky Oni mask, and head to Japan to experience the joy and excitement of Setsubun.
