It is the first actual 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 is time for spring cleaning. Not one’s residence 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 fantastic discomfort 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 excellent fortune! Out with the devil!)
Inside peoples homes as well beans are thrown and scattered, with the identical shouts of rebuke to evil spirits. Off of clean floors they are picked up, and it the custom to eat 1 bean for each year of one’s life to bring great luck and fortitude. Numbers play a large 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 offer fantastic amounts of lengthy lasting energy from a tiny package. Thus they are associated with toughness, fortitude, and as they are lengthy lasting, fortitude.
Roasted soybeans are thrown as well, and even amongst beans soybeans hold a special location in Japanese culture. Recognized simply as ‘daizu’ or ‘the huge bean’ soybeans are eaten in some form or one more in Japan everyday. Soy sauce and tofu are ubiquitous of course, but there are numerous other foods made from soybeans as well, including the now common 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 info on the web, check out the new Pokemon online magazine referred to as Pokezine. Hundreds of magazine articles on all different Pokemon subjects for no cost. Get all the newest news, plus tons of information about upcoming great items like Pokemon Oshawott plush, Snivy, Tepig, Minccino and a lot of other people. Check it out. Its 100% free of charge.