February 3, 2024 is Setsubun

📍 Osaka · 👁 865 reads

Let's eat it all in one go facing east-northeast!

In Japan, the most famous seasonal event in February is Setsubun.

Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring (Risshun) according to the calendar. This year, like every year, Setsubun falls on February 3. Setsubun marks the transition from winter to spring, and various events are held across the country to pray for disaster prevention and good fortune, welcoming the new spring.

Now, let me introduce Setsubun in detail! Please take measures against COVID-19 while fully enjoying this once-a-year event!

Records show that the custom of scattering beans existed about 600 years ago during the Muromachi period. In the cold season, people easily catch colds and other illnesses. As winter turns to spring, the hope is that everyone can spend the season healthy and happy, so beans are used to drive away bad things and call in good fortune along with the beans.

"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Luck in!) is the chant when scattering beans for Setsubun!

Since ancient times, "oni" (demons) have been symbols of evil, with horns, red or blue faces, and fierce appearances. During Setsubun, invisible "bad things" are referred to as oni. Meanwhile, "fuku" represents luck, happiness, and positivity.

The main purpose of Setsubun is to invite the happiness that everyone desires. Thinking that this is an event to drive away evil and call in happiness feels quite romantic!

Why scatter beans to drive away oni? The "beans" used are soybeans. Soybeans have been a Japanese ingredient since ancient times, processed into tofu, miso, soy sauce, sweet boiled beans, natto, kinako, and various other foods, commonly seen in daily meals.

It is said that because soybeans are rich in nutrients and full of vitality, they become a powerful weapon stronger than swords, capable of driving away oni.

Additionally, the beans used for scattering are not raw but roasted (iri-mame). Since they are used to drive away bad things, if the thrown beans sprout after being roasted, that would be troublesome. After driving them away, it would not do to instead cultivate bad things. Some places apparently also scatter peanuts.

It is said that eating the same number of Setsubun beans as your age will help you avoid illness and live healthily. So be sure to count out the beans equal to your age and eat them!

The auspicious food to eat on the night of Setsubun is ehomaki. Ehomaki is a rolled sushi, but it is not cut into bite-sized pieces; instead, you eat the whole long roll in one go. This custom is said to have originated in Osaka, but many details remain unclear. The current belief is that "if you eat the entire ehomaki in one go on Setsubun night while facing the lucky direction (eho) and making a silent wish, your wish will come true."

This year's lucky direction is east-northeast. Make your wish on Setsubun night!

The "Setsubun Yōkai" held in Osaka's Dojima is known for its splendor, but the Setsubun festival at the temple nicknamed "Ago Kannon," which is said to be Japan's oldest place for prayer to avert disaster, also attracts many people and is very lively. This festival is very quiet, without bean scattering. The main event is a goma purification ritual. The amulet buns sold at the gate are popular; it is said that giving them to loved ones will ward off misfortune.

Travelogue Table of Contents

1. ● February 3 is Setsubun

2. ● What is Setsubun? The reason for scattering beans

3. ● The beans thrown at oni are stronger than swords!

4. ● Because it originated in Osaka?! Eating rolled sushi in one go

5. ● Praying at Ago Kannon for disaster prevention and good luck

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