What better way to mark the beginning of a new season than to celebrate with a traditional Japanese ceremony? Setsubun is an annual ceremony that’s celebrated throughout Japan. The celebration marks the arrival of spring. Though the ceremony and tradition have changed throughout the years, in the traditional ceremony the male of the household wears an Oni (demon/ogre) mask while the other members of the household throw beans and yell “Oni wa Soto! Fuku wa Uchi! Which means “Bad Out, Luck In!” It is believed that throwing beans will prevent ogres and bad luck from entering one’s house.

However, today many people go to a Setsubun festival. Major cities in the nation such as Tokyo will hold bean-throwing rituals called Mame-maki. Hundreds of people not only throw these beans from their front door, but also head over to shrines and temples to bring extra good luck to their homes.

This year Setsubun falls on February 3rd.  You may not be in Japan, but you can still participate in this fun celebration! All you need is a mask, some beans, and a front door!

Setsubun masks

In the years past, Nathan Sano, of the CA Dry Bean Advisory Board has enjoyed participating in Setsubun with his children. To keep them educated about their heritage, he would explain to them the meaning behind Setsubun and the importance it has to the Japanese culture. However, instead of using soybeans, he used dry beans. He and his children would have fun tossing the beans out front door screaming “Oni wa Soto! Fuku wa Uchi!”

Here is a link to a printable Oni Mask that is especially fun for kids and adults. You might even catch us wearing one!

Happy Bean Throwing!