subject: Setsubun - The Japanese Bean Throwing Ceremony [print this page] Setsubun - The Japanese Bean Throwing Ceremony
It is the first real sign of spring, and many hearts are leaping with joy.
It is also February third, or 'Setusbun' (literally, 'the splitting of the seasons') and it's time for spring cleaning. Not one's house though- that's done on New Year's Eve, but a spiritual spring cleaning. In ceremonies across the nation, children are given out beans (roasted and edible) to throw at a man dressed up as frightening 'oni,' the Japanese word for demon, blocking an entranceway. Feigning great pain as he is pelted with the magic beans by the excited, laughing children, the 'oni' staggers off and disappears to the cries of "Fuku wa uchi! Oni wa soto!" (In with good fortune! Out with the devil!)
Inside peoples homes as well beans are thrown and scattered, with the same shouts of rebuke to evil spirits. Off of clean floors they are picked up, and it the custom to eat one bean for each year of one's life to bring good luck and fortitude. Numbers play a big role in Buddhist ritual, the pantheon of which Setsubun belongs to.
Beans are highly valued in Japanese culture where traditionally most protein comes from the sea, not from the fields. Beans are healthy and provide great amounts of long lasting energy from a small package. Thus they are associated with toughness, fortitude, and as they are long lasting, fortitude.
Roasted soybeans are thrown as well, and even amongst beans soybeans hold a special place in Japanese culture. Known simply as 'daizu' or 'the big bean' soybeans are eaten in some form or another in Japan daily. Soy sauce and tofu are ubiquitous of course, but there are many other foods made from soybeans as well, including the now popular soy milk.
So out with the devil and in with the beans!
Dinah Jackson writes articles about science, travel and Pokemon. For the newest Pokemon Black & White information on the web, check out the new Pokemon online magazine called Pokezine. Hundreds of magazine articles on all different Pokemon subjects for free. Get all the latest news, plus tons of information about upcoming great items like Pokemon Oshawott plush, Snivy, Tepig, Minccino and many others. Check it out. Its 100% free.
