Setsubun

Setsubun is a special event that is celebrated in Japan every year on the 3rd of February. On this day, people do a traditional practice called "mamemaki," which means "bean-throwing."

Mamemaki is done to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead.

Here's how it works: first, people get ready by putting on festive clothes and preparing a pile of roasted soybeans. Then, they go to their door, which is usually facing east.

At the door, they chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" which means "Demons out! Luck in!" Then, they throw soybeans outside while making loud noises, like clapping or banging pots and pans.

This is supposed to drive away evil spirits, while the soybeans bring good luck. After the mamemaki, people often eat the same number of soybeans as their age to ensure good health for the year.

Setsubun is also a time for special food and decorations. Some common decorations include a "fuku-mamemaki" wreath made of five-colored soybeans and holly leaves, while food includes "ehomaki," which is a special sushi roll eaten in silence while facing the year's lucky direction.



So, in short, Setsubun is a fun day where people throw soybeans to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead, followed by eating soybeans and enjoying special food and decorations.