【中文】【English】節分
【English】SETSUBUN
Today is Setsubun in Japan. You may have seen Japanese people throwing beans while shouting, ‘Demons out! Good fortune in!’ But do you know why beans are thrown? Actually, there are many stories behind it.
Setsubun originally meant ‘the day before the change of seasons’, but nowadays it almost always refers to the day before Risshun (the start of spring). In traditional Japanese belief, Risshun marks the start of the new year. This period is considered the time when demons and misfortune are most likely to appear, making it the ideal time to ward off evil spirits.
So why beans?
The pronunciation of “mame” (豆, beans) sounds like “demon-destroying” (魔を滅する), meaning to dispel evil spirits. Furthermore, beans are one of the five grains, symbolising vitality and energy, making them naturally the best weapon for warding off evil. Moreover, the beans used for Setsubun must be roasted, not raw. The reason is truly fascinating: if raw beans sprout after being scattered, it signifies “resurrection from misfortune”. Roasted beans, however, do not sprout, ensuring that misfortune vanishes forever.
This seemingly charming custom is actually a small ritual reflecting the Japanese mindset of “leaving the bad behind and welcoming the good into the new year”. Whether you threw beans or not, may good fortune find you all this year!
