Rediscovering Japan

Seasonal Events (February)

by tomizuta

Setsubun

Setsubun-sai (setsubun ritual) is an event held at the day before the middle point between winter solstice and spring equinox. This middle point is called Risshun meaning the start of spring, although admittedly it is still quite a cold time of the year. Risshun usually is on the third of February, but occasionally can be the second or fourth.

(Left: Announcement of Setsubunsai at the north entrance of Funabashi Daijinguu in Funabashi)

The custom in Japan is to throw beans at Onis while chanting “Oni out, happiness in!” and eating a number of beans that equals your age. I touched upon Onis in the article on Okayama. They are fictitious ogres with horns and a red face.

( Left: We were provided with a free Oni mask at a bean shop.)

The reason for this tradition on Setsubun is the ancient belief that evil spirits arise when the season changes, and that a ritual to expel them were required. The ritual can be conducted by each household, but the large events held at larger Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to which celebrities are invited as guests is more popular.

















(Left: Guests throw beans to the crowd at Funabashi Daijinguu)

Although the belief that evil spirits arise at the change of the season came from China, the tradition of throwing beans is uniquely Japanese, which legend says started in the 9th century in the days of Emperor Uda. I guess the reason the ritual is held in both shrines and temples is because local shrines and temples conducted the ritual in support of the local commoners’ belief.


















(Left: We managed to catch some beans thrown by the guests. They should be soy beans, but Chiba is famous for peanuts. In certain cases rice cakes are also thrown to the visitors. Visitors are eager to catch the beans as they are believed to bring good fortune and wellbeing.)

A four act Kagura was played in the Kagura theater of Funabashi Daijinguu before the bean throwing. Kagura is music and dancing offered to the Gods and one of the roots of Noh.

A Shinto priest purifies the area in advance of the arrival of the Gods.

The God Sarutahiko arrives.

The dance of the Gods Ebisu and Daikoku. They are believed to bring good fortune to especially those in business. This dance is only played at Setsubun.

God Sarutahiko throws beans at the blue and red Onis, who beg for forgiveness.

And we shouldn't forget the Wagashi (Japanese sweets) for Setsubun, Oni on the left and Otafuku (female character that brings lots of happiness) on the right.

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