Setsubun

Setsubun means roughly "division of seasons" and is celebrated the day before the first day of spring.

Setsubun is a festival that takes place every year on 3 February, roughly the start of the new year in the lunar calendar. It marks the first day of the solar year.

People assemble at temples and participate in mame make means 'bean throwing' as a sign to drive out evil, sickness and misfortune from the old year. It brings good luck, health and fortune into the new year.

At the Senso- ji Temple, men wearing oni (devil) masks have roasted soy beans thrown at them to chase the devil away. You can also buy devil masks as souvenirs in the temple grounds.

This is a more pleasant approach than the original ritual of burning sardine heads and playing loud drums. Some families do continue to hang fish heads and holly outside to ward off any wandering evil spirit. The roasted soybeans are spread on the cleaned floors inside and are consumed; each person eats the number of beans that corresponds to his or her age.

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Contact Information

Setsubun
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
111-0032 Tokyo

Tel. +81338420181

http://www.planettokyo.com