Overview of Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival)
Setsubun (節分) is a traditional Japanese event marking the transition from winter to spring. Celebrated annually in early February, it is believed to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the coming year. The festival is deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, incorporating rituals that purify homes and ensure prosperity.
The most famous Setsubun custom is Mamemaki (豆まき), or bean-throwing, where people toss roasted soybeans while chanting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Fortune in!”). This practice symbolizes the expulsion of misfortune and the invitation of happiness. Families often have the head of the household or a person born in the zodiac year perform the ritual.
Another popular tradition is Eho-maki (恵方巻), a special sushi roll eaten in silence while facing a lucky direction determined by the year’s zodiac. Unlike regular sushi rolls, Eho-maki is not sliced, as cutting it is believed to sever good fortune.
Temples and shrines across Japan hold public Setsubun ceremonies, where celebrities, sumo wrestlers, and monks participate in large-scale bean-throwing events. Some locations also feature fire purification rituals, further reinforcing the theme of cleansing and renewal.
Origins and Historical Development
Setsubun’s origins date back over 1,000 years, influenced by Chinese customs introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794–1185). The festival was initially practiced as a seasonal purification ritual, ensuring a smooth transition into the new year.
During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the tradition of bean-throwing became widespread. Beans were believed to have sacred power, capable of repelling evil spirits. The Japanese word for beans, mame (豆), sounds similar to “demon eyes” (魔目, mame), reinforcing the idea that throwing beans could destroy demons (mametsu, 魔滅).
Over time, Setsubun evolved into a household and community event, with temples incorporating large-scale ceremonies. The introduction of Eho-maki in the 20th century added a culinary element to the celebration, further enriching its cultural significance.
Setsubun in Modern Japan
Today, Setsubun remains an important seasonal event, though its customs have adapted to modern lifestyles. While traditional Mamemaki is still practiced in homes, many people prefer attending shrine and temple events, where they can participate in public bean-throwing ceremonies.
Supermarkets sell pre-packaged Eho-maki, offering various fillings, including seafood, beef, and even dessert versions. Some families incorporate new traditions, such as themed Setsubun parties or social media challenges featuring bean-throwing videos.
Despite these modern adaptations, Setsubun continues to be a symbolic and cultural celebration, reinforcing Japan’s values of purification, renewal, and seasonal awareness.
Famous Regions and Seasonal Significance
Setsubun is widely celebrated across Japan, but certain locations are particularly famous for their grand ceremonies. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Naritasan Shinshoji in Chiba, and Zojoji Temple in Tokyo host large-scale Mamemaki events, attracting thousands of visitors.
Seasonally, Setsubun aligns with Risshun (立春), the first day of spring in the traditional calendar. Although February is still cold, the festival symbolizes the gradual arrival of warmer weather, reinforcing the theme of renewal.
Similar Cultural Traditions
Similar purification rituals exist worldwide, such as Chinese Lunar New Year’s firecrackers, Korean Seollal’s fortune rituals, and European carnival traditions, each emphasizing cleansing, renewal, and seasonal transitions. Setsubun, however, remains uniquely Japanese in its symbolic depth and communal participation.