Setsubun originally referred to the day before the beginning of each season—Risshun (spring), Rikka (summer), Risshū (autumn), and Ritto (winter)—marking the seasonal divisions. However, it has now come to specifically denote the day before Risshun, which in modern times falls on February 4th. Traditionally, this day not only marked the start of spring but also the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar.
Setsubun is well-known for the ritual of bean-throwing, intended to purify the home from evil spirits. At famous temples and shrines, celebrities are often invited to participate in large-scale bean-throwing events, making this ritual familiar to many foreigners as well.
I grew up in a rural town in Chiba, where, during Setsubun, my grandfather (as the head of the household) would loudly proclaim "Demons out, luck in" while throwing soybeans from a wooden measure both inside and outside our house. Immediately after, we would gather the beans scattered inside and eat a number corresponding to our age. These hard, flavorless soybeans were far from delicious, and since then, I've developed a dislike for hard beans.
In the countryside of that time, old customs persisted, and one method to drive away demons involved decorating the entrance of the house with holly leaves skewered with the heads of sardines (apparently, the smell was thought to repel demons). As a child, I found this practice very weird, and my aversion to sardines might stem from these Setsubun traditions. Unfortunately, my memories of Setsubun are not particularly fond ones.
Despite this, the celebration of Setsubun undeniably remains one of Japan's seasonal traditions that evoke the changing of the seasons. In Tokyo, events are held at places like Senso-ji Temple, Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple, and Hie Shrine, offering a chance to purify oneself of evil spirits and rejuvenate for the new year.
Let's enjoy Setsubun event!
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