www.whyville.net Jan 26, 2014 Weekly Issue



Pygmygoat
Guest Writer

Setsubun

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On February 3rd, many Japanese will be throwing beans in celebration of Setsubun.

This Japanese holiday, seeming odd at the surface, actually celebrates the coming of spring, and the completion of the lunar year. Setsubun is a symbol for accepting and celebrating the old year, while starting the new one with good fortune.

It is believed that around this day, the spirit world rests closely to our world. So, many practices are done to keep any bad spirits away that might be wandering too close to home.

Roasted soybeans, Fuku Mame, and Happiness Beans are all names for the beans used on setsubun. The beans are meant to purify the house of demons. Traditionally, the beans are placed in a wooden bowl, then thrown at doors, while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" A family member, sometimes in costume, might pretend to be a demon, while the others chase that person with the beans. Hopefully they aren't thrown too violently! Afterwards, you are supposed to pick up as many beans as your age, and eat them. This is supposed to keep you in good health for the span of the new year.

Although bean tossing is the most well known activity of Setsubun, many other traditions are practiced, all in the act of keeping demons away from the new year. Some people put a holly tree in front of their house on the eve of Setsubun. The idea goes that the holly leaves will prick any demons trying to get in. Another tradition is to burn sardine heads, the strong smell driving away bad spirits. However, most families decorate with holly leaves and sardine heads. People may also practice role-reversal on Setsubun, such as girls wearing their hair as an older women would, and crossdressing.

Setsubun began to form around the 13th century, and continued to be a spiritual/superstitious holiday. However, in the modern age, it has lost some of its meaning, many not even knowing the true meaning of the bean throwing. Setsubun has even been removed from some calendars, but is still marked on the official calendar.

Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!

Or, as English speakers would say, "Demons out! Luck in!"

 

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