{"id":778,"date":"2025-01-28T00:33:22","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T15:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=778"},"modified":"2025-01-28T19:37:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T10:37:58","slug":"setsubun-demons-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/setsubun-demons-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Setsubun: Japan&#8217;s Festival of Luck and Demon Banishing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Setsubun<\/em> \u7bc0\u5206 is a significant cultural event in Japan, celebrated annually on the day before spring officially begins. Rooted in centuries of tradition, <strong>Setsubun is celebrated with rituals designed to cleanse homes of evil spirits and invite good fortune for the year ahead. <\/strong>Among these rituals, the most iconic is <em>mamemaki<\/em> \u8c46\u307e\u304d, or bean throwing, which has become synonymous with the festival. Over time, Setsubun has evolved to include modern customs such as eating <em>ehomaki<\/em> \u6075\u65b9\u5dfb\u304d sushi rolls, blending ancient practices with contemporary influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Throwing beans at Setsubun\" class=\"wp-image-107697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/24192414\/setsubun-7317.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/author\/joachim\/\">Joachim Ducos<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Setsubun is more than just a festive event; it carries profound symbolic meaning. These rituals reflect themes of purification, renewal, and the welcoming of good fortune. By participating in these customs, individuals connect with Japan\u2019s rich cultural heritage and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the coming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-the-origins-of-setsubun\">The Origins of Setsubun<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-mamemaki-driving-out-evil-welcoming-good-luck\">Mamemaki: Driving Out Evil, Welcoming Good Luck<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-why-beans\">Why Beans?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-important-practices-for-mamemaki\">Important Practices for Mamemaki<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-ehomaki-a-modern-addition-to-setsubun\">Ehomaki: A Modern Addition to Setsubun<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-variations-and-modern-innovations\">Variations and Modern Innovations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-embracing-setsubun-as-a-visitor\">Embracing Setsubun as a Visitor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-the-origins-of-setsubun\"><strong>The Origins of Setsubun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word Setsubun translates to &#8220;seasonal division,&#8221; referring to the transition between winter and spring.<strong> <\/strong>Its origins lie in the Chinese lunar calendar, which was historically adopted in Japan.<strong> In ancient times, seasonal changes were believed to be periods of heightened spiritual activity, making households more vulnerable to misfortune and illness.<\/strong> To counter these threats, people practiced rituals aimed at expelling evil spirits and ensuring a smooth transition into the new season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001305\/setsubun.jpg\" alt=\"an ancient painting about Setsubun celebration\" class=\"wp-image-107759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001305\/setsubun.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001305\/setsubun-500x341.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Picture by <a href=\"https:\/\/ukiyo-e.org\/artist\/tsukioka-kogyo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Tsukioka Kogyo<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The custom of scattering beans during Setsubun can be traced back to ceremonies performed in the Imperial Palace. By the 15th century, this practice had spread to common households and evolved into the tradition of mamemaki. Today, Setsubun continues to be celebrated with a mix of historical reverence and modern adaptations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-mamemaki-driving-out-evil-welcoming-good-luck\"><strong>Mamemaki: Driving Out Evil, Welcoming Good Luck<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mamemaki, the centerpiece of Setsubun, is both a spiritual ritual and a lively family event. Traditionally, the head of the household \u2014 often the father or eldest son \u2014 takes on the role of casting roasted soybeans, known as <em>fukumame<\/em> \u798f\u8c46 or &#8220;good luck beans,&#8221; to purify the home. <strong>Starting from the center of the house, beans are thrown out of windows and doors while chanting &#8220;Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!&#8221; <\/strong>(\u9b3c\u306f\u5916\uff01 \u798f\u306f\u5185), meaning &#8220;Evil out! Luck in!&#8221; The ritual concludes at the entrance, symbolizing the complete expulsion of negative energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001720\/setsubun-7326.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese people celebrating Setsubun event in a temple\" class=\"wp-image-107760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001720\/setsubun-7326.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001720\/setsubun-7326-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001720\/setsubun-7326-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/author\/joachim\/\">Joachim Ducos<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In modern households, the ritual has taken on a playful twist. A family member, often the father, dons an <em>oni <\/em>\u9b3c mask to represent the demon being banished. Children enthusiastically throw beans at the &#8220;demon,&#8221; turning the event into a fun and memorable activity. This adaptation preserves the spirit of the tradition while making it engaging for younger generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-why-beans\"><strong>Why Beans?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The choice of beans for mamemaki is steeped in symbolism. <strong>The Japanese word for beans, <em>mame<\/em> \u8c46, sounds similar to &#8220;ma-me&#8221; \u9b3c\u76ee(devil\u2019s eye), and &#8220;ma-metsu&#8221; \u9b3c\u6ec5 (devil\u2019s destruction). <\/strong>By throwing beans, participants symbolically strike the eyes of evil spirits, driving them away. Additionally, roasted beans are used because uncooked beans could potentially sprout, symbolizing bad luck taking root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001834\/IMG_2117.jpg\" alt=\"A demon mask and beans\" class=\"wp-image-107761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001834\/IMG_2117.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001834\/IMG_2117-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28001834\/IMG_2117-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In some regions, alternatives such as peanuts are used, as they are easier to clean and less likely to attract pests. Despite regional variations, the core message of using beans to ward off evil remains consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-important-practices-for-mamemaki\"><strong>Important Practices for Mamemaki<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in participating in mamemaki, a few key points should be observed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-eat-the-beans-for-luck-after-scattering-the-beans-each-family-member-eats-the-number-of-beans-corresponding-to-their-age-plus-one-extra-for-the-coming-year-this-practice-is-believed-to-bring-good-health-and-fortune\"><strong>Eat the Beans for Luck:<\/strong> After scattering the beans, each family member eats the number of beans corresponding to their age, plus one extra for the coming year. This practice is believed to bring good health and fortune.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-use-roasted-beans-only-roasted-soybeans-or-fukumame-should-be-used-to-prevent-bad-luck-from-taking-root-these-are-readily-available-in-supermarkets-during-the-setsubun-season-often-sold-in-special-containers\"><strong>Use Roasted Beans:<\/strong> Only roasted soybeans, or fukumame, should be used to prevent bad luck from &#8220;taking root.&#8221; These are readily available in supermarkets during the Setsubun season, often sold in special containers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-conduct-the-ritual-at-night-according-to-tradition-evil-spirits-are-most-active-after-sunset-the-ritual-should-therefore-be-performed-in-the-evening-for-maximum-effect\"><strong>Conduct the Ritual at Night:<\/strong> According to tradition, evil spirits are most active after sunset. The ritual should therefore be performed in the evening for maximum effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a creative twist, <strong>some people prepare <em>fukucha<\/em> \u798f\u8336, or good luck tea,<\/strong> by steeping the roasted beans in hot water. Ingredients such as salted kelp or pickled plums can be added for additional flavor and auspicious symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-ehomaki-a-modern-addition-to-setsubun\"><strong>Ehomaki: A Modern Addition to Setsubun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>While mamemaki has ancient roots, the practice of eating <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/ehomaki-sushi-setsubun\/\"><strong><em>ehomaki<\/em> \u6075\u65b9\u5dfb\u304d sushi rolls is a relatively modern invention<\/strong>.<\/a> Originating in 1930s Osaka, ehomaki\u2014thick, uncut sushi rolls\u2014was initially promoted by sushi and seaweed business associations as a way to celebrate Setsubun. The name ehomaki, meaning &#8220;lucky direction roll,&#8221; was popularized in the 1980s by a marketing campaign from the Seven-Eleven convenience store chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"An ehoumaki for Setsubun\" class=\"wp-image-83802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/06164609\/ehoumaki.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/whitefield_d\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">whity<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The custom involves eating the roll in silence while facing the year&#8217;s &#8220;lucky direction,&#8221; determined by the Chinese zodiac. The uncut roll symbolizes completeness and unity, and cutting it is thought to &#8220;cut&#8221; one\u2019s luck. Each ehomaki typically contains seven ingredients, representing the Seven Lucky Gods \u4e03\u798f\u795e, deities of good fortune in Japanese folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-variations-and-modern-innovations\"><strong>Variations and Modern Innovations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, <strong>supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide heavily promote ehomaki in the weeks leading up to Setsubun.<\/strong> In addition to traditional sushi rolls, variations such as seafood-only rolls, vegetarian options, and regional specialties have emerged. Businesses have even expanded the concept to include Setsubun-themed roll cakes and burritos, ensuring that luck can be &#8220;consumed&#8221; in creative ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, some stores now offer ehomaki during other seasons, such as spring, summer, and autumn, though these are less common. These adaptations highlight the blending of traditional practices with modern consumer trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-embracing-setsubun-as-a-visitor\"><strong>Embracing Setsubun as a Visitor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For visitors to Japan, Setsubun offers a unique opportunity to experience the country\u2019s traditions firsthand. <strong>Many shrines and temples host public mamemaki events, where participants can join in scattering beans and watching performances featuring oni masks.<\/strong> Some locations even provide special fukumame for attendees to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most typical places to see the Setsubun celebration are Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, where you can also see geisha throwing bean, Senso-ji in Asakusa or Naritasan Fudoson in Osaka, where the ones in charge of throwing beans are kabuki actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"107762\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28002425\/setsubun-7295-2.jpg\" alt=\"A winter celebration in a Japanese temple\" class=\"wp-image-107762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28002425\/setsubun-7295-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28002425\/setsubun-7295-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/28002425\/setsubun-7295-2-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-id=\"77937\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/29181726\/geisha_setsubun-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Geisha celebrating Setsubun Festival\" class=\"wp-image-77937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/29181726\/geisha_setsubun-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/29181726\/geisha_setsubun-500x331.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/29181726\/geisha_setsubun-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/29181726\/geisha_setsubun.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Left photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/author\/joachim\/\">Joachim Ducos<\/a>. Right photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/irisphotos\/with\/8473893682\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, trying ehomaki during Setsubun is a delicious way to engage with the holiday. Whether purchased from a local store or made at home, this tradition allows visitors to share in the spirit of Setsubun while enjoying a taste of Japanese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Setsubun is a vibrant celebration that bridges Japan\u2019s historical and modern practices. From the ancient ritual of mamemaki to the contemporary popularity of ehomaki, the festival embodies themes of renewal, luck, and togetherness. Whether you\u2019re scattering beans, donning an oni mask, or savoring a sushi roll in silence, Setsubun invites participants to embrace the promise of spring and welcome prosperity for the year ahead. For locals and visitors alike, it\u2019s a meaningful and joyous occasion that continues to captivate hearts across Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many Japanese may recall their childhood memories of mamemaki. While chanting \u201cEvil out! Luck in!\u201d beans are scattered around the house during Setsubun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":107760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,26,2051,1418],"tags":[2065,2109,2071,1362],"class_list":{"0":"post-778","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-activities","8":"category-culture","9":"category-events","10":"category-featured","11":"tag-cultural-activities","12":"tag-events","13":"tag-japanese-society","14":"tag-tradition"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Setsubun: Japan&#039;s Festival of Luck and Demon Banishing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the unique tradition of the Setsubun every February, which involves 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