Setsubun

Overview

Setsubun is a seasonal observance held throughout Japan, today generally referring to the day before Risshun (the first day of spring; roughly around February 3). It is well known for "mamemaki" (bean-throwing), in which beans are scattered to the call of "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, fortune in), and it is widely cherished as an annual event—in homes, temples, and shrines alike—to drive away evil and pray for a year of good health and happiness.

Rather than a festival of one particular region, it is carried out in homes across the country, while temples and shrines in various places hold large-scale Setsubun events (bean-throwing, tsuina rites, and the like). In recent years, the custom of "ehōmaki"—silently eating a thick sushi roll while facing the lucky direction (ehō) of the year—has also spread, and it has become established as an event by which people feel the season.

History and Origins

"Setsubun" originally meant the turning point of a season, referring to the day before each of Risshun, Rikka, Risshū, and Rittō (the first days of spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Of these, the day before Risshun—the turning point from winter to spring—came to be especially valued as an important juncture marking the start of the year, and today "Setsubun" generally refers to this day.

The source of Setsubun's bean-throwing is said to lie in a court observance called "tsuina," transmitted from ancient China. Tsuina was a misfortune-warding rite to drive away the demons that symbolized epidemics and calamities, and in Japan it is said to be recorded in the Shoku Nihongi as having been performed by the time of Emperor Monmu, in 706 (Keiun 3). This court observance is thought to have spread to the common people over time and developed into the present form of bean-throwing, in which roasted beans are scattered to drive away demons (evil). The throwing of beans is said to derive from wordplay meaning "to destroy evil," and from the idea of warding off evil with the power dwelling in grain, among others; however, there are various theories regarding its origins and meanings, and this provides an overview based on the principal traditions.

Highlights

Bean-Throwing

The observance that symbolizes Setsubun is bean-throwing. Roasted soybeans (peanuts in some regions) are scattered while chanting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi," and people eat the scattered beans in a number equal to their age (or their age plus one), praying for a year of health. In homes, one can also see the charming sight of a family member donning a demon mask to play the demon while the children throw beans.

Setsubun Events at Temples and Shrines

At temples and shrines in various places, large-scale Setsubun rites (setsubun-e) are held. The "lucky-bean throwing," in which the year's men and women of the zodiac and well-known figures appear in formal kamishimo attire and throw lucky beans toward worshippers, is a popular event that bustles with many people. At some temples and shrines, tsuina rites following ancient forms are conducted solemnly, allowing visitors to witness traditional misfortune-warding rituals up close.

Ehōmaki and Seasonal Foods

In recent years, the custom of "ehōmaki"—biting into a whole thick sushi roll while facing the year's lucky direction—has spread nationwide. In some regions there are also customs of grilling and eating sardines, or of displaying "hiiragi-iwashi" (a holly branch with a sardine head) as a charm against evil, allowing one to enjoy food culture and customs unique to Setsubun.

Event Information and Access

Setsubun is held on the day before Risshun each year (around February 3 in many years). Note that because the date of Risshun varies slightly from year to year, there are years in which the day of Setsubun falls on February 2 or February 4. In homes, each household performs bean-throwing, while temples and shrines hold setsubun-e. Because the times and content of the lucky-bean throwing and tsuina rites at temples and shrines differ by institution, those who wish to attend are advised to check the official information of each temple or shrine in advance.

At famous temples and shrines across the country, large-scale Setsubun events are held and bustle with many worshippers. Because access and congestion differ by venue, please check the guidance of the temple or shrine you plan to visit. As popular events become very crowded, using public transportation and allowing plenty of time are recommended.

Nearby Attractions

Because Setsubun observances are held at temples and shrines all over the country, visitors can enjoy them in various ways depending on the region they visit. By attending the setsubun-e of a renowned temple or shrine, one can experience the history and faith of that area and fully enjoy the seasonal event together with nearby sightseeing and food.

The period around Risshun is also when the first news of plum blossoms begins to be heard, and in some regions one can enjoy touring famous plum-blossom spots. Although it is a time of severe cold, it can be savored, together with the winter charm of each region, as a seasonal event that hints at the coming of spring.

Related Information

Setsubun is one of Japan's representative annual events, a misfortune-warding and fortune-inviting observance linked to the calendrical juncture of Risshun. While derived from the court's tsuina, over its long history it spread to the bean-throwing of common people and the setsubun-e of temples and shrines, and regional food cultures and customs have also developed.

Please note that there are regional differences and various theories regarding its origins and meanings, the manners of bean-throwing, and customs such as ehōmaki, and this article provides an overview of general features seen nationwide. Because the specific date and the event content of each temple and shrine differ by year and place, please check the latest information when attending.

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