“Setsubun”(節分)

“Setsubun” (節分), held on the day before “Risshun” (立春), the first day of spring in the old calendar, is the event to expel demons and welcome a new year.

Setsubun is often accompanied by rituals of driving away the previous year’s bad fortunes and evil spirits. The main ritual called “Mamemaki” (豆まき) has two meanings.

One is to “expel” demons by throwing beans.

The other is to “calm down” demons by giving beans.

Here are the rules of throwing beans!

1：Put beans at the household shrine before throwing them.

2：Throw beans at night.

3：Start throwing beans in the room farthest back of your house.

4：Eat as many beans as your age.