Out with Evil, In with Fortune - Setsubun is February 3

Setsubun, or the "bean-throwing festival" is Friday, February 3, the day preceding "risshun" which is the first day of spring according to the old lunar Japanese calendar. On the day of Setsubun, the celebrations include the custom of throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "Out with evil! (oniwasoto) In with Fortune! (Fukuwauchi) ."

According to tradition,  ogres are scared off by the incoming beans and good fortune will then come into the home. Events with entertainers and athletes are held at shrines all over the country and if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will be in good health all year.

Here is how the Japanese enjoy Setsubun in traditional and non-traditional ways:

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