Setsubun - Why Japanese Throw Beans

Summary

The video explores the Japanese tradition of *Setsubun*, a ritual celebrated annually to mark the seasonal transition from winter to spring. On this day, people throw roasted beans (*mamemaki*) to expel evil spirits (represented by *oni*) and welcome good fortune into their homes. The origin of this practice dates back to the Heian period, and it symbolizes the spiritual power of beans. Other customs include eating beans for health, consuming a special sushi roll (*ehomaki*), and placing *hiragibashi* (a branch of holly with a sardine’s head) at the entrance to ward off evil. The video delves into the history and significance of these traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival marking the transition from winter to spring, typically held on February 3rd, but occasionally on February 2nd, as in 2021.
• 😀 The word 'Setsubun' literally means 'seasonal division,' referring to the turning of the seasons, with a focus on welcoming spring.
• 😀 The main ritual of Setsubun involves throwing roasted beans (mamemaki) to expel evil spirits (oni) and bring in good fortune for the new season.
• 😀 Oni (demons or ogres) represent evil and misfortune, and their expulsion during Setsubun is believed to purify the home and prepare it for spring.
• 😀 Beans are thought to have spiritual power, particularly when they are about to sprout, symbolizing renewal and the arrival of spring.
• 😀 In homes with a kamidana (Shinto altar), beans are sometimes placed in front of the gods to enhance their spiritual significance.
• 😀 People eat the same number of beans as their age during Setsubun to absorb the beans' spiritual power and ensure good health and fortune.
• 😀 In some regions of Japan, people eat a special type of sushi roll called 'ahomaki,' while silently wishing for good fortune.
• 😀 Hiragibashi, a decoration made from a fish head, is placed at the entrance of homes to protect from evil spirits and welcome the new season.
• 😀 The customs of Setsubun are influenced by Onmyōdō, an esoteric Japanese philosophy that balances natural elements like the seasons to create harmony.
• 😀 Despite some customs seeming unusual to outsiders, they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, connecting people to nature, spirituality, and tradition.

Q & A

What is Setsubun and when does it typically occur?

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese seasonal event that marks the division between winter and spring. It typically occurs on February 3rd, but in 2021, it was exceptionally held on February 2nd due to a rare astronomical alignment, making it the first time in 120 years.

Why do people throw beans during Setsubun?

People throw roasted beans during Setsubun as part of a ritual called 'mamemaki' to expel evil spirits (represented by 'oni') and welcome the coming spring with peace and happiness. Beans are believed to have spiritual power, and the act of throwing them is meant to drive away negative forces.

What does the term 'mamemaki' refer to in the context of Setsubun?

'Mamemaki' refers to the ritual of throwing roasted beans during Setsubun to drive away evil spirits ('oni') and welcome good fortune. The word 'mame' means beans, and 'maki' refers to throwing or scattering.

What is the significance of the 'oni' in the Setsubun ritual?

In Japanese folklore, 'oni' are demons or ogres that represent evil forces such as disasters or diseases. The act of throwing beans at 'oni' symbolizes expelling these negative forces to make way for a peaceful and prosperous spring.

Why are roasted beans used for Setsubun instead of raw ones?

Roasted beans are used because they are believed to have spiritual power, especially when they are about to sprout. This power is associated with the energy of growth, symbolizing the coming of spring. Using raw beans is considered bad luck as they are not fully potent.

What is the origin of the Setsubun ritual?

The origin of Setsubun dates back to the Heian period in Japan (around the 8th century). It was originally a part of imperial rituals aimed at promoting peace and prosperity by expelling evil spirits and ushering in a new season, specifically spring.

What other actions do people take during Setsubun besides throwing beans?

In addition to throwing beans, people eat beans according to their age, which is believed to ensure health and good fortune for the year. Some also eat a special type of sushi roll called 'ehomaki,' while others use decorative items like 'hiragiwashi' to protect their homes from evil spirits.

What is 'ehomaki,' and why is it eaten during Setsubun?

'Ehomaki' is a special sushi roll eaten during Setsubun, particularly in the eastern regions of Japan. It is eaten in silence while wishing for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The roll is usually filled with various ingredients, and eating it whole is part of the tradition.

What is the 'hiragiwashi' and what is its purpose?

'Hiragiwashi' is a traditional decorative item made by attaching the head of a sardine to a branch of holly. It is placed at the entrance of the house to protect the home from evil spirits. This ritual is rooted in Japanese esoteric cosmology and is meant to drive away the negative elements of winter and welcome the power of spring.

What does the term 'omiyado' refer to, and how is it related to Setsubun?

'Omiyado' refers to Japanese esoteric cosmology, which influences many traditional rituals, including Setsubun. It is concerned with controlling the balance of elements, such as reducing the power of winter (water element) and strengthening the influence of spring (wood element). This concept is part of the reasoning behind rituals like placing 'hiragiwashi' at home entrances.