Setsubun 節分

Setsubun literally means “the day between two seasons”. They are the days that precede the first day of each season. Nowadays, Setsubun is used only for the day before the first day of spring, which is February 2, 3 or 4 depending on the year. In the year 2021,Setsubun was held on February 2, for the first time in 124 years.

On Setsubun day, Japanese people scatter beans at home shouting, “Good luck come in and evil go away!” After that, people eat the same number of beans as their age. Although the beans are traditionally roasted soybeans, shelled peanuts are sometimes used depending on the region and small sweets are scattered in events for small children today.

The tradition to expel demons or evil spirits by scattering beans started in the Muromachi era, in the 14th century. It was believed that the beans contained vitality and special power to banish evil and therefore keep good health for the whole year. Beans is “mame” in Japanese and they symbolize good health.

Mamemaki events, where people scatter beans are held at some temples and shrines, too. Unfortunately, many of them had to shrink the event this year because of COVID 19. Kids had just received small plastic bags staffed with small sweets instead. We hope we can enjoy scattering beans next year!!!

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