What is the true meaning of Setsubun? The Meaning of Bean-throwing, How to do it, and What to eat
Setsubun is one of the traditional events in Japan, and is now2month of May (the first day of the year)3Setsubun is one of Japan's traditional events, and is usually held on the first day of the month. Nowadays, the image of Setsubun as an event to drive away evil spirits by throwing beans (mame-maki) and eating ehomaki (rolls wrapped in eho-maki) is becoming more and more common. However, few people may know the original meaning of Setsubun. In fact, Setsubun is also related to "Nijushisekki," which refers to the turning points of the four seasons. In this issue, we will introduce the original meaning of Setsubun, the origin of Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony), and trivia about the event food eaten on Setsubun.
The True Meaning of Setsubun
As one of the annual traditions, many of you have likely been familiar with Setsubun since childhood. At the Setsubun Festival (Setsubun-e) held every year at shrines, a solemn ceremony is performed in which roasted beans are thrown as part of prayers to ward off evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest. First, let’s take a look at the true meaning of Setsubun.
The Original Meaning of the Term “Setsubun”
Nowadays, February 3 is generally recognized as Setsubun. Originally, the term “Setsubun” referred to the turning points between the seasons in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms.The twenty-four solar terms divide the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—into six segments each, with Risshun (the start of spring), Rikka (the start of summer), Risshu (the start of autumn), and Rittou (the start of winter) designated as specific solar terms. Under this system, the date of Setsubun is not fixed; depending on the year, it can fall on February 2 or February 4.It is generally observed on the day before Risshun, which marks the beginning of spring.
The Origin of the Setsubun Festival
It is believed that the Setsubun festival originated in China as a ritual to ward off misfortune and was later introduced to Japan. The origins of Setsubun can be traced back to a court ceremony called “Tsuina,” which was held as far back as the Heian and Muromachi periods. The Tsuina ceremony was performed on the day before the start of spring as a ritual to ward off misfortune.
In this way, the culture was transmitted from mainland China, leading to the practice of Tsuina at the imperial court, and eventually, it became widely known throughout Japan as an annual event. It was believed that illnesses and disasters tended to occur at the change of seasons, and it seems that Setsubun events came to be held to ward off these misfortunes.
The Relationship Between Setsubun and Demons
Setsubun is deeply connected to the “oni” (demons), which have long been feared in Japan.People in the past believed that ogres were beings that brought misfortune. It was said that ogres appeared in the Ushitoru direction (i.e., the northeast), and since Ushitoru corresponds to midnight, the custom of throwing beans at night is said to have developed.
The Meaning and How to Perform the Bean-Throwing Ceremony on Setsubun
Throwing beans is one of the most widely known customs associated with Setsubun. Here, we’ll explain the meaning and origins of this tradition.
The Meaning and Origin of Throwing Beans on Setsubun
The main purpose of the bean-throwing ceremony is to drive away demons—which symbolize misfortune—and invite good fortune. While it is customary to throw roasted soybeans, there are also regions where peanuts are used. The ceremony is imbued with wishes for protection from evil spirits, the removal of misfortune, and good health.
There are various theories regarding the origin of the custom of throwing beans on Setsubun, but the most famous is an old folktale passed down in Kurama, Kyoto.It is said that when a demon appeared, following a divine revelation from Bishamonten, soybeans were thrown into the demon’s eyes, thereby defeating it. According to this legend, the act of “shooting the demon’s eyes” (i.e., roasting the beans) led to the word “mametsu” (meaning “to wear away”), which is considered the origin of the custom of throwing beans on Setsubun.
How to Perform the Bean-Throwing Ritual on Setsubun
・Preparing for the Bean-Throwing Ceremony
To prepare for the bean-throwing ceremony, start by getting your “lucky beans” (roasted soybeans) ready by the day before the event. The main purpose of roasting the beans is to prevent them from sprouting. According to old folklore, it is considered an ill omen if a soybean that was left uncollected sprouts.
Keep the prepared fukumame on the household altar as an offering to the gods until the day of the bean-throwing ceremony.Additionally, decorate the entrance to your home with “hiragi iwashi” (holly sardines)—roasted sardine heads impaled on holly branches. This is because it is believed that demons are pained by the thorns of the holly and repelled by the smell of sardines.
・The Procedure on the Day of the Bean-Throwing Ceremony
The bean-throwing ceremony takes place at night. Begin with all the doors and windows of the house wide open.Scatter the beans while chanting, “Demons out, good fortune in!” Traditionally, the man born in the Year of the Rat is responsible for this task, but in a family setting, it’s not necessary to strictly follow this custom. The standard method is to hold the wooden measuring cup in your left hand and throw the beans from below with your right hand.
The chants may vary by region, but generally, you throw beans from inside the house toward the outside while chanting “Demons out,” and then scatter them throughout each room while chanting “Good fortune in.”Once the bean-throwing is finished, close all the doors and windows in the house. Afterward, eat a number of beans equal to your age plus one. This is done to pray for good health and freedom from illness.
Foods Eaten on Setsubun and Their Meanings
On Setsubun, in addition to the lucky beans used in the bean-throwing ceremony, there is a custom of eating certain foods. Here, let’s take a look at the foods traditionally eaten on Setsubun and their meanings.
Ehomaki
On Setsubun, there is a custom of eating a thick sushi roll while facing the year’s lucky direction. This roll is called an “Ehomaki,” and it is considered good luck to eat the entire roll in silence. In particular, Ehomaki containing seven ingredients—in reference to the Seven Gods of Good Fortune—are popular for their good luck.
There are various theories regarding the origins of the Ehomaki, and it is unclear which one is correct. The oldest theory states that during the Warring States period, a military commander ate an entire rolled sushi on Setsubun before heading into battle and went on to achieve a resounding victory. Other theories suggest that the custom originated from entertainment in Osaka’s red-light districts or from a tradition dating back to the Edo period.
Fukucha
On Setsubun, there is also a custom of drinking tea with lucky beans. “Fuku-cha” is made by pouring hot water into a teacup containing kombu, a pickled plum, and three lucky beans. Just like eating the lucky beans, drinking this tea is considered an auspicious tradition.
Konjac
Konjac, which is rich in dietary fiber, is a food that helps cleanse the body. For this reason, it is considered a good omen to eat it at turning points in the year, such as Setsubun. In some regions, it is eaten with the dual purpose of driving out the demons that have taken up residence in the home and expelling impurities from the body.
Soba
In some regions of Japan, there is a custom of eating soba on Setsubun. Sometimes referred to as “Setsubun Soba,” this tradition is said to be a remnant of the days when the lunar calendar was in use. Since the lunar calendar regarded the beginning of spring (Risshun) as the start of the new year, soba was eaten on this occasion much like “Toshikoshi Soba” is today.
Soba is known as a food that symbolizes longevity due to its long, thin shape, and as a food that cuts off misfortune because it breaks easily. During the Edo period, soba was considered an auspicious food.
Whale
The meat of large animals, such as whales, is also considered an auspicious food. In the Sanriku region and other areas, there is a custom of eating whale meat on Setsubun.
Kenchin-jiru
Kenchin-jiru is a type of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) said to have been created by monks at Kencho-ji Temple in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a clear soup made exclusively from root vegetables, without any meat or fish, and was traditionally served at various events, including Setsubun. It seems that in some regions, eating kenchin-jiru on Setsubun is a long-standing tradition.
Let’s learn the true meaning of Setsubun and welcome good fortune while having fun
We’ve introduced the true meaning of Setsubun, the significance and method of the bean-throwing ritual, and the meanings behind the foods traditionally eaten on Setsubun. Setsubun, an important event held at the change of seasons, is one of Japan’s long-standing traditional customs. We hope you’ll enjoy welcoming good fortune together with your family and friends.
