— SACRED TIME —

Setsubun

February 3 · Shintō · Eastern traditions

Fixed date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Seasonal division: on the eve of spring, oni—the harmful spirits accumulated during winter—are expelled.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Mamemaki: throwing soybeans shouting «oni out, luck in»
·Eating as many beans as your age
·Sardine head and holly on the door

Traditional foods

·Roasted soybeans
·Ehomaki eaten in silence while facing the lucky direction of the year

Offerings

·Beans scattered on the threshold

Taboos to respect

·Do not talk while eating the ehomaki
·Do not leave uncollected beans in the house

Associated symbols

Oni mask · Beans · Sardine