Hello everyone! Today I would like to introduce a traditional Japanese event called Setsubun.
Setsubun (節分) is a traditional Japanese event, mainly to celebrate the coming of spring. Specifically, it is usually held on the day before Risshun, or around February 3. The main purpose of Setsubun is to drive away evil spirits and bring in good fortune. Setsubun has various customs and events depending on the region, and special events may be held especially at shrines and temples. These days, Setsubun is often held as a family or community event, and it has become a popular event for children to enjoy.
Let us introduce some of the things to do and eat on Setsubun.
(1) Bean-throwin
Roasted soybeans are thrown inside and outside the house to drive away evil spirits while chanting “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi” (Demons out, good fortune in). It is also customary to eat as many beans as the number of one’s age to wish for good health and happiness. During the bean-throwing ceremony, people sometimes appear dressed as demons, creating a fun atmosphere.
(2)Ehoumaki
Ehoumaki is a traditional Japanese food culture, especially the sushi roll eaten during Setsubun. The characteristics of Ehoumaki are as follows.
1.Ingredients: It is said that seven different ingredients are used, derived from the “Seven Gods of Good Fortune,” but nowadays it is common to use only one to three ingredients. Examples of ingredients include kanpyo, shiitake mushrooms, eggs, cucumbers, sea eel, tuna, and salmon.
2. how to eat: The Ehoumaki is usually eaten all at once without speaking, facing the direction of blessings (the auspicious direction of the year). This is believed to make wishes come true.
3.History: There are various theories about the origin of Ehoumaki, and it is said to have started in Osaka during the Edo period (1603-1868), but it has only recently become popular nationwide.
4. sales: Nowadays, Ehoumaki is usually sold at supermarkets and convenience stores specially during Setsubun.
(3)decoration of sardines
A sardine head is pierced through a sprig of holly and displayed at the entrance. It is said that the spikes on the holly leaves and the distinctive smell of the sardines can drive away demons.
At NILS, we learned about Setsubun in our “Japanese Culture” class. The students heard from the teacher what Setsubun is and watched a video of an actual bean-throwing ceremony. After that, Setsubun beans were handed out and the students threw them at an illustration of a demon, saying “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi. The students seemed to enjoy their first experience of Setsubun.
Please look forward to the next cultural experience!
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