Setsubun

Eriko’s not home, so it’s my job to tell you about Setsubun, a holiday I just learned about yesterday. Let’s see how I do!

Setsubun means “division of the seasons,” and there are four Setsubun days throughout the year. The most special of these is celebrated on February 2nd this year (often February 3rd), Risshun, which marks the end of Winter and first day of Spring. It’s like Groundhog Day in Japan.

It is believed that Oni, or demons, appear on Setsubun, and it is necessary to drive them away. The rituals for doing so vary by region, but the most common is to throw soybeans at their eyes. People scatter roasted soybeans around their houses to ward off Jaki, or negative vibes.

Check out some children performing a standard ritual, called Mamemaki:

2月3日節分の日、金山町の川口保育所では豆まきが行われ、「鬼は外！福は内！」の元気な声が響きました。保育所内をみんなで豆まきをして、悪い鬼を追い出していたところ、突然現れた鬼にみんなびっくり！逃げ惑いながらも、みんなで豆をぶつけてなんとか追い払うことができました♪鬼を追い払った後は、みんなで豆まきの歌を歌ったり絵...

Kawaii!

It is often the father’s job to dress as an oni while the children throw roasted soybeans, or fukumame, at them and shout “Out with the devil! In with good fortune!” Then you gather up the beans and eat one for every year you’ve been alive, plus one more to ensure good health throughout the year.

How’d I do in explaining this, Eriko? Let’s get her response:

“Good job!”

You heard her. I did good!