節分２０１５年 / Setsubun 2015

Today is a holiday known as Setsubun (節分), which is celebrated every year on the 3rd of February. The holiday marks the end of the harsh cold weather, and reminds us to look forward to the coming spring and to embrace the joy and good fortune of the season. The word itself, means seasonal separation, and dates back many centuries to the time when Japan still used the lunar calendar.

Most importantly, Setsubun is a time for casting evil demons (鬼 / “oni”) out of one's home. This is accomplished by the ritual throwing of beans in a custom called “Mamemaki” (豆撒き, literally, “scattering beans”). Traditionally, roasted soybeans are used due to their being a symbol of purity, but any sort of legume will do. We chose to use peanuts, because they're delicious, and fun to eat. They also make for easy cleanup since they come in their own shell.

My wife, as master of the house, is the one casting out the demons. The guy in the demon mask is not other than yours truly! I should note that we are doing a bit of role reversal here, since demons are traditionally cast out by the elder man of the house, but somehow it seems appropriate this way. Anyway, such practices are becoming common as Japan continues to modernize. She chased me around the house throwing peanuts at me and shouting “Oni wa soto!!” (鬼は外！ “Demons, out!”) until I was suitably dispelled. So, let this be a lesson to all you real demons out there. If you come into our house, you can expect the same treatment! Stay away!

To round out the fun, we also ate Good Luck Direction Rolls (恵方巻き), which we consumed while facing to the Southwest to ensure that the rolls achieve their maximum effect. I’d say we’re ready for the year!

Being a busy working person, I'm wearing a store-bought mask. Making one's own mask by hand, however, is fairly common. While I was out shopping this evening, I saw many children wearing clever handmade masks, many of which were most likely school projects.

If there was time, we might have enjoyed going to Nezu Shrine for their annual celebration, but I’ve still got work to do this evening so we decided to celebrate at home instead.