Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event that marks the transition from winter to spring. It is usually celebrated on February 3rd, the day before Risshun (立春, the beginning of spring) in the traditional Japanese calendar. Also, setsubun is considered the beginning of the year.
🔹 Meaning of Setsubun
The word “Setsubun” (節分) literally means “seasonal division,” referring to the change of seasons. While it originally occurred four times a year, today it mainly refers to the spring Setsubun.
🔹 Customs and Traditions
- Mamemaki (豆まき – Bean-Throwing Ceremony)
- People throw roasted soybeans while chanting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Good fortune in!”).
- This tradition is meant to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
- After the bean-throwing, people eat the same number of beans as their age +1 for good health.
- Ehōmaki (恵方巻 – Lucky Direction Sushi Roll)
- A thick sushi roll eaten while facing the year’s lucky direction (determined by the Chinese zodiac).
- It must be eaten silently and in one go while making a wish.
- Other Traditions
- Hiiragi-Iwashi (柊鰯): A decoration made of a holly branch and a grilled sardine head, placed at the entrance to ward off evil spirits.
- Some shrines and temples hold large Setsubun festivals, where celebrities or sumo wrestlers throw beans for good luck.
- Where is Setsubun Celebrated?
- Setsubun is celebrated in various places across Japan, including homes, shrines, temples, and schools.
- 🏠 At Home
- Many families perform mamemaki (bean-throwing) to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
- Recently, some households use packaged beans or even peanuts to make cleanup easier.
- Eating ehōmaki (lucky sushi rolls) while facing the year’s lucky direction is also a popular tradition.
- ⛩️ At Shrines and Temples
- Many major shrines and temples hold large-scale Setsubun festivals.
- Celebrities and sumo wrestlers often participate in the bean-throwing ceremonies.
- Popular locations include:
- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Chiba) – Famous for sumo wrestlers and celebrities throwing beans.
- Sensoji Temple (Tokyo) – Traditional Setsubun celebrations.
- Yoshida Shrine (Kyoto) – One of the most famous Setsubun festivals in Japan.
- 🏫 At Schools, Kindergartens, and Nurseries
- Teachers often dress up as oni (demons), and children throw beans at them to “banish evil spirits.”
- 🏬 At Department Stores and Supermarkets
- Special Setsubun products such as ehōmaki and roasted soybeans are sold, and some stores hold small events.
- Since Setsubun is widely celebrated across Japan, both families and the public can easily take part in the festivities!
Why Setsubun Is Considered the Beginning of the Year
- In ancient Japan, Risshun (the beginning of spring) was regarded as the start of the year. This is because, in the old lunisolar calendar, the New Year (旧正月) was determined by the new moon closest to Risshun. As a result, Setsubun, which falls on the day before Risshun, was seen as “New Year’s Eve”, while Risshun itself was considered the start of the new year.
- Additionally, the bean-throwing (mamemaki) and purification rituals associated with Setsubun were established as ways to ward off evil spirits before welcoming the new year. This tradition is similar to the New Year’s Eve purification ceremonies practiced today.
