Setsubun: Banish Demons, Invite Fortune! Japan's Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Origins: The Ancient Exorcism

The roots of Setsubun go back to the Nara period (around 700 AD). It was imported from China as a palace ritual called **Tsuina (追儺)**. In this dramatic ceremony, officials dressed as golden four-eyed mask wearers (Hososhi) would brandish spears and shields to chase away invisible plagues.

Over centuries, this court ritual trickled down to the common people and merged with local agricultural traditions, evolving into the bean-throwing festival we know today.

The Power of Beans: mamemaki

The core ritual of Setsubun is **Mamemaki (Bean Throwing)**. But why beans?

• Wordplay: The word for "bean" (*mame*) sounds like "destroying demons" (*Ma-Me* 魔滅). Also, hitting the "demon's eye" (*Ma-Me* 魔目). Japanese culture loves spiritual puns (Kotodama).
• Vitality: Grains are believed to hold the spirit of life, capable of driving away death and illness.
• Roasted Only: You must use **roasted soybeans (Fuku-mame)**. Using raw beans is taboo because if they were to sprout, it would symbolize "evil taking root." Roasting them "seals" the evil.

Regional Rivalry: Soybeans vs. Peanuts

If you go to Hokkaido or the snowy regions of Northern Japan (Tohoku), you might be surprised to see people throwing **peanuts** instead of soybeans.

The Legend of "Mr. Watanabe"

There is a fascinating folklore in Japan that people with the surname **Watanabe (渡辺)** do not need to throw beans.

This dates back to the Heian period. A legendary warrior named **Watanabe no Tsuna** famously fought the terrifying Oni king, **Shuten-doji**, at Rashomon Gate in Kyoto. With his famous sword "Higekiri," he cut off the demon's arm.

Since then, it is said that Oni differ in their DNA to fear the Watanabe clan. They run away the moment they see a nameplate saying "Watanabe." If your last name is Watanabe, relax—you are naturally demon-proof!

Color Psychology of the Oni

In Setsubun, the Ogre (Oni) is not just a monster; it represents the negative emotions within your own heart. The color of the Oni corresponds to specific human vices (Buddhist "Five Hindrances").

• Red Oni (Aka-Oni): Represents **Greed** and desire. Throw beans at the Red Oni to control your impulses.
• Blue Oni (Ao-Oni): Represents **Anger** and hatred. Throw beans to calm your temper.
• Yellow/White Oni: Represents **Restlessness** and regret.
• Black Oni (Kuro-Oni): Represents **Doubt** and suspicion.
• Green Oni (Midori-Oni): Represents **Laziness** and drowsiness.

When you throw beans, visualize which "inner demon" you are trying to expel.

The Correct Ritual: 4 Steps

To properly exorcise the house, follow these steps. Don't just throw them randomly!

1. Offer the Beans: Place the roasted beans on the family altar (Kamidana) or a high shelf during the day to bless them.
2. Nighttime: Demons come at night. Perform the ritual after dinner. Open the front door and windows.
3. Oni wa Soto! (Demons Out!): Shouting loudly, throw beans *out* the window/door. Imagine pushing the bad vibes out. Do this twice.
4. Fuku wa Uchi! (Fortune In!): Immediately slam the door/window shut (to lock the demons out). Then throw beans *inside* the room. Do this twice.

Start from the innermost room and work your way to the entrance. The head of the household usually does the throwing, or a "Toshi-otoko/Toshi-onna" (someone born in the current zodiac year).

After the throwing, eat the number of beans equal to your age (plus one). This "Age Bean" (*Toshi-tori Mame*) ritual allows you to ingest the power of the year.

Ehomaki: The Silent Sushi Roll

A relatively modern but wildly popular tradition is **Ehomaki (Lucky Direction Roll)**. It involves eating a thick sushi roll untraditionally.

The Seven Lucky Ingredients

A proper Ehomaki contains seven ingredients, representing the **Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin)**. While recipes vary, a classic combination includes:

• Eel/Anago: Represents longevity (long body).
• Egg (Tamagoyaki): Yellow color brings wealth.
• Kanpyo (Dried Gourd): Its long shape symbolizes long life.
• Shiitake Mushroom: Ancient offering to gods.
• Sakura Denbu (Pink fish flakes): Represents spring cherry blossoms (joy).
• Cucumber: Represents "The Nine Stars" (Kyusei) or simply freshness.
• Shrimp: Represents longevity (curved back like an elder).

The Three Rules

• Face the Lucky Direction (Eho): This direction changes every year based on the zodiac (e.g., South-South-East).
• Don't Cut It: Eating it whole symbolizes "not cutting good ties/relationships."
• Total Silence: You must not speak from the first bite to the last. Speaking is said to let the luck escape. Make a wish in your mind and focus on it.

Heads Up: Hiragi Iwashi

You might see a strange decoration on doorways: a grilled sardine head stuck on a holly branch. This is **Hiragi Iwashi**.

The sharp thorns of the holly pierce the demon's eyes, and the strong, pungent smell of the grilled sardine drives them away (or lures them in to get poked, depending on the theory!). It acts as a spiritual scarecrow or barbed wire.

A Fresh Start

Setsubun is more than superstitious fun. It is a psychological reset button. By shouting "Demons Out!", you externalize your stress and negativity. By shouting "Luck In!", you affirm your hope for the future.

Whether you use soybeans or peanuts, or simply eat a sushi roll in silence, Setsubun offers a moment to pause, cleanse, and reset your intentions for the coming spring.