Setsubun(Japan)
Setsubun, the traditional Japanese Bean-Throwing Festival, takes place on February 3 to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits.
Setsubun marks the day before the start of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar. Families and temples perform mamemaki, throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" to drive away demons and invite good fortune. Many shrines hold public bean-throwing ceremonies where local celebrities and priests toss beans into cheering crowds. People also eat beans equal to their age to promote health and longevity. In some regions, sardine heads are hung at the entrance of homes to deter evil. Cultural events include tea ceremonies and displays of hina dolls. Setsubun blends Shinto rituals with lively community traditions, making it one of Japan’s most colorful annual festivities.
Setsubun
Japan