There is a Japanese event on 3rd of February, “Setsubun”.
Setsubun
In japan, Feb 3rd is the last day of Winter according to Japanese old Lunar calendar, we call it “Setsubun”.
It means “Season division”. However, we use it only this day.
What we do for Setsubun?
We eat Ehomaki, do Mamemaki and put Hiiragiiwashi on the door/window.
Please refer to the below.
Ehoumaki
Have you seen a long rice roll?
[pullquote-left]Ehou = “lucky direction”[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]Maki = “Roll” *in this case[/pullquote-left]
So, Ehoumaki is the roll which you eat facing to the lucky direction.
Which is lucky direction?
It changes every year. You can find it everywhere like on news, or at convenience stores.
What are ingredients in it?
There are 7 things according to “Shichifukujin (7 of Gods)”.
For instance, salmon, tuna, egg, cucumber, siso (japanese herb), kanpyo, shitake (mashroom), and something like that. There is no rule for that.
Do NOT cut it
We say it should NOT be cut for you not to apart from good fortune.
Rule for eating Ehoumaki
You eat it clothing your eyes and wishing something on your mind without saying a word until you finish.
Mamemaki
History of Mamemaki
It started in 1425 (the Muromachi period).
People believed that evil spirits could happen when the season changes, so they started throwing roasted beans to put it away.
Usually, Toshi-otoko or a patriarch throws roasted beans.
Toshi otoko = the male who was born on the corresponding animal year on the Chinese zodiac.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsubun#Mamemaki
[pullquote-left]Toshi = year[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]Otoko = men[/pullquote-left]
Famous mamemaki
Kabuki player ”Ebizo Ichikawa” do mamemaki at Naritasan temple.
It is very famous and difficult to get “mame” thrown by them because many people join.
Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi
We throw beans with phrase saying “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”
It means “Demons out! Luck in!”
[pullquote-left]oni = demon[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]soto = outside[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]fuku = (good)luck[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]uchi = inside[/pullquote-left]
Eating beans
We eat beans for the number of your age plus 1.
If you are 20, eat 21.
Allergy problem
It used to a common event at kinder garden and elementary school in japan, although it could be dangerous for someone who has soy allergy. So now some teachers let them do mamemaki with fake mame created by papers.
Hiiragi iwashi
We put Hiiragi iwashi on the door or window to prevent demons or devil sprit from coming into our place.
[pullquote-left]Hiiragi = a holly （leaf/leave）[/pullquote-left]
[pullquote-left]Iwashi = a sardine[/pullquote-left]
People believed all bad things like demons and devil sprit hate Hiiragi’s thorns on leave and smell of Iwashi.
This is one of unique japanese events, so i hope it continues 😉
