The Origins of Setsubun
The word "Setsubun" means "division of the seasons" and originally referred to the day before the major seasonal changes throughout the year. Over time, as spring became synonymous with the start of the new year, Setsubun became solely associated with the day before Risshun, the first day of spring.
The custom of bean-throwing dates back to the Heian period, when it was inspired by a Chinese ritual called Tsuina, which involved exorcising evil spirits. By the Muromachi period, the practice of hurling roasted soybeans to drive away demons had become widespread across Japan.
Why Soybeans?
The Japanese word for "beans" (mame) sounds a lot like the word for "exorcising demons" (ma no me). According to legend, when a particularly troublesome demon showed up in Kurama, Kyoto, a deity instructed the people to use soybeans to defeat it.
The beans are believed to symbolize "hitting the demon's eyes" and destroying the evil. It's a clever play on words that has become a beloved part of the Setsubun tradition.
The Rules of Setsubun Bean-Throwing
There are a few important rules to follow when it comes to the Setsubun bean-throwing ritual:
- Use roasted soybeans, not raw ones. Raw beans might sprout, which could symbolize evil growing back.
- Traditionally, the "toshi-otoko" (head of the household) is the one who does the bean-throwing. But these days, the whole family gets in on the action.
- After throwing the beans, you're supposed to eat one more than your age for good health. So, if you're 30, you'd eat 31 beans.
Eho-maki: The Sushi Roll of Good Fortune
Another modern Setsubun tradition is eating Eho-maki, a thick sushi roll that's believed to bring good luck if you eat it in silence while facing the "Eho" (lucky direction).
The lucky direction changes every year, determined by the deity Toshitokujin. In 2025, the lucky direction is slightly west of West-Southwest. You'll have to check the forecast to see where that is!
Why the Shift in Setsubun's Date?
Traditionally, Setsubun falls on the day before Risshun, the first day of spring. But since Risshun is based on the solar term system (sekki), the date can shift a bit due to the Earth's orbit and leap years.
Most of the time, Setsubun is on February 3. But in some years, it can be on February 2 or February 4. And in 2025, it's going to be on February 2 - a rare occurrence due to calendar adjustments.
Explaining Setsubun to the World
Sharing the unique traditions of Setsubun is a great way to deepen cultural understanding. Phrases like "Mamemaki" (bean-throwing), "Eho-maki" (sushi roll), and "Oni" (demon) can help you explain this quirky Japanese custom to the world.
Who knows, you might even inspire someone to try their hand at bean-tossing and sushi-eating for good luck. After all, what could be more fun than chasing away demons with a handful of soybeans?
