Setsubun, a traditional Japanese event marking the day before the start of spring in the Japanese lunar calendar, holds significant cultural importance. The term “Setsubun” literally means “seasonal division,” referring to the change of seasons. Traditionally celebrated on February 3rd, Setsubun is an event filled with rituals that blend seasonal changes, folklore, and spiritual purification. Among the most notable customs associated with Setsubun is the bean-throwing ritual, known as mame-maki. This ritual, alongside other aspects of the celebration, represents the deep-rooted connection between the people of Japan and their belief systems surrounding good fortune, evil spirits, and the arrival of new beginnings.
Historical Background of Setsubun
The origins of Setsubun can be traced back over a thousand years to the Heian period (794–1185). During this time, it was celebrated as a way to ward off evil spirits and protect one’s family. The event coincided with the arrival of the new season, as the Japanese lunar calendar marks the beginning of spring around early February. Setsubun also holds significance in the context of purification and the renewal of life. In ancient times, people believed that evil spirits could enter their homes with the seasonal change. Setsubun, therefore, became a means to cleanse the home and prepare for the arrival of spring.
In Japan, the change of seasons was a time of spiritual significance, as people believed that the seasonal shifts affected not only the natural world but also their fortunes. The Japanese have long held the belief that bad luck and evil spirits could accompany seasonal changes, making it essential to perform rituals to ensure good health, prosperity, and protection. The bean-throwing ceremony is just one aspect of this larger framework of seasonal purification.
The Bean-Throwing Ritual (Mame-maki)
At the heart of the Setsubun celebration is the mame-maki ritual, a lively and often boisterous practice where roasted soybeans are thrown to drive away evil spirits, known as oni. The custom involves throwing beans outside the house or at a person dressed as an oni, symbolizing the expulsion of evil and the welcoming of good fortune. The term “mame-maki” combines the word mame, meaning beans, with maki, meaning to throw or scatter. The act of throwing beans is seen as a means to purify the environment, with the belief that evil spirits will be driven away by the symbolic power of the beans.
The ritual typically involves the phrase “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (鬼は外! 福は内!), which translates to “Out with the demons! In with the good fortune!” It is a spirited chant that accompanies the throwing of the beans, and its purpose is to ensure a prosperous and peaceful year ahead. This simple yet effective ritual has become one of the most recognizable customs of Setsubun, embodying the cultural values of community, renewal, and hope.
The Symbolism Behind the Beans
The beans used in the mame-maki ritual have deep symbolic significance. In Japanese culture, beans are thought to have protective qualities due to their shape and properties. The act of throwing beans is believed to purify the home and drive away any lingering evil spirits that might cause illness, misfortune, or bad luck. The beans also symbolize the potential for new growth and prosperity. Just as beans are planted to grow into healthy plants, they represent the hope for a fruitful year.
Roasted soybeans, which are most commonly used in the bean-throwing ritual, are particularly symbolic. Soybeans are a staple of the Japanese diet, commonly used in many dishes such as miso soup and tofu, and have been a key component of Japanese agriculture for centuries. Their resilience and versatility in the kitchen mirror the hope for prosperity and adaptability in the face of challenges.
In some regions of Japan, people also eat the number of beans equivalent to their age during Setsubun. This practice is believed to bring good health and longevity for the year ahead. The idea is that by consuming these beans, individuals take in the blessings of the ritual and the protection they symbolize.
The Role of the Oni and Its Cultural Roots
The presence of oni—the mythical demons or ogres—during Setsubun has a rich cultural history. Oni are often depicted as fearsome creatures with horns, sharp claws, and an intimidating appearance. In the context of Setsubun, they represent the negative forces of nature, evil spirits, or misfortune that can threaten individuals and families. The custom of driving away the oni symbolizes the defeat of these forces and the reclamation of peace, good health, and prosperity.
The oni in Japanese folklore is not always viewed as purely evil but is instead a representation of natural and supernatural forces that must be controlled or overcome. They are often associated with bad luck, illness, or hardship, and their presence is a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that come with the changing seasons. However, oni also embody the complexity of human existence—they are both terrifying and fascinating, making the ritual of mame-maki not only a means of protection but a way to confront the fears that come with change.
The oni figure is commonly portrayed during Setsubun festivals across Japan. People dress in oni costumes during the celebrations, with some even having their children play the role of the oni. This participation helps to create a communal atmosphere, strengthening social bonds while reinforcing the sense of ritual and tradition. By symbolically casting out the oni, participants embrace the idea of renewal and the opportunity for a fresh start.
Other Setsubun Customs
While the mame-maki ritual is the most famous custom associated with Setsubun, there are other practices and regional variations of the celebration. One of these is the ehomaki tradition, where people eat a special type of sushi roll called ehomaki. The roll is typically filled with various ingredients such as cucumber, tamago (Japanese omelet), and tuna, and it is eaten in silence while facing the “lucky direction” of the year, which changes annually according to the zodiac. This custom is thought to bring good fortune and ensure happiness for the year ahead.
In some areas of Japan, Setsubun is also marked by performances, parades, and festivals at local shrines and temples. These events often feature dancing, chanting, and other traditional performances. At major shrines, such as Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, large-scale mame-maki events take place, with people gathering to watch local celebrities or temple priests throw beans to the crowd, often accompanied by the ringing of bells and celebratory music.
Setsubun’s Role in Contemporary Japanese Culture
Although Setsubun is a centuries-old tradition, it remains an important event in contemporary Japanese culture. While the ritual has adapted over time to fit modern life, it still holds significant cultural value. Today, many people continue to observe the holiday by performing the mame-maki ritual, often with family and friends. The celebration fosters a sense of community, as families and neighbors gather to participate in the ritual together.
Additionally, Setsubun has become a popular event for tourists and foreigners interested in Japanese culture. Temples and shrines in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto hold public mame-maki events, drawing large crowds. The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience an important aspect of Japanese spirituality and folklore, while also celebrating the joys of renewal and the hopeful anticipation of a fresh year.
Conclusion
The cultural importance of Setsubun and its associated bean-throwing ritual can be understood as a celebration of renewal, protection, and hope. The custom of mame-maki not only marks the arrival of spring but also serves as a means of purifying the home and welcoming good fortune. Through the throwing of beans at the oni and chanting for good fortune, the Japanese reaffirm their connection to the changing seasons and the age-old belief in the power of ritual to shape their lives. Setsubun, with its rich traditions and symbolism, continues to be a beloved cultural celebration, emphasizing the importance of community, renewal, and spiritual cleansing in the Japanese way of life.