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It is custom on Setsubun no hi for people of all ages to throw beans and shout “oni wa soto fuku wa uchi”, which basically means Out with the demons and in with good luck! It is traditionally believed that the throwing of beans and shouting would drive away the demons of misfortune and thus allow prosperity. Children will often wear masks representing these bad luck demons.
Another tradition is to eat the number of beans corresponding to your age.
Another way to celebrate is by eating a big, long, fat, uncut sushi roll called ehou-maki.
Great explaination! There are all kinds of local traditions with this day, definitely a fun one.
ReplyDeleteI won't be able to go to a setsubun event, unfortunately, but I saw some eho-maki in my local konbini. It made me smile. ^^
ReplyDeleteThanks Benjamin, I love all the local traditions that make this day so fun. We always visit our local temple to throw our beans :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rurousha, Maybe next time! Those uncut eho-maki are so cool aren't they :)
ReplyDeleteI just ate 36 beans. I'm so full. :)
ReplyDeleteThrowing beans sounds fun! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting traditions! The ehou-maki looks so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Coco, Great hint! I guess I can work out your age now :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lina, It is a lot of fun and a great Japanese traditon :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber, That's one reason I love Japan - the cool traditions. The ehou-maki is good but a real mouth full :)
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