Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Setsubun

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French version

Setsubun

節分
alternative words: Setsu-bun, Setsu bun
keywords: festival
related topics: Oni , Onmyodo
related web sites: http://www.mcci.or.jp/www/mameya/ , http://www.mycal.co.jp/saty/2_weekly/0105/
explanation: Ceremony which takes place at the eve of a new spring (Risshun) and a new year in old calendar. In new calendar, the date falls between 3 and 4 February. At that date, not only each shrines and temples observe traditional rites to dispel "oni" (Japanese demons) but people throw in home, grilled soybeans against those who are wearing oni's mask (mamemaki) by crying "oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!", i.e. "demons go out, happiness enter!", then eat the number of beans corresponding to their age.