Have you ever seen the unique Japanese ritual of sowing beans or the tradition of eating large sushi rolls? These practices are part of the Setsubun celebration. Let’s explore what Setsubun is, its origins, its link to the ancient calendar concept of Lichun, and the proper way to participate in bean sowing during this event. Read on to discover the fascinating background of Setsubun and how it’s observed today.

When is Setsubun in 2025?

In 2025, Setsubun falls on Monday, 3rd February. This date marks the day before the beginning of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar, known as Risshun. Setsubun is generally held at the onset of spring, symbolising renewal and the dismissal of bad luck.

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun is an event aimed at driving away evil spirits and wishing for good health. In ancient times, people believed that the change of seasons, especially during colder periods, made it easier for negative forces to enter homes, bringing illness. To counter this, Setsubun traditions emerged, rooted in Nuo folk religion, which was a prayer ceremony for health. The practice of “Oniyarai,” or “demon-chasing,” spread from temples and shrines to the general public over time.

The Origin of Setsubun

Setsubun has roots in China and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period when cultural influences from the mainland were widely adopted. Initially, a ritual conducted by Onmyoji (spiritual practitioners), this ceremony aimed to cleanse homes of misfortune on New Year’s Eve. This cleansing custom, described in the ancient text “Zoku Nihon Shoki” as an “epidemic payment,” gradually declined during the Edo period. However, the tradition evolved and became known as Setsubun, an occasion where people sow beans to ward off demons and pray for health.

When Does Setsubun Occur?

Most people celebrate Setsubun on 3rd February, though some years it falls on 2nd or 4th February, as the date depends on the lunar cycle. In 2021, for instance, Setsubun was on 2nd February for the first time in over a century. Setsubun aligns with the “Rising Spring,” one of the 24 solar terms marking the start of each season, with Lichun as the day the sun’s coordinates reach 315 degrees on the ecliptic. Due to slight shifts in the Earth’s orbit, Setsubun occasionally moves by a day. After a leap year, such as 2024, the next Setsubun will occur on 3rd February 2025.

Why Sow Roasted Soybeans at Setsubun?

During Setsubun, people sow roasted soybeans to repel evil and wish for health. The Japanese concept of “Kotodama” holds that words and names have mystical powers, and “mame” (soybeans) symbolise defeating demons, as the word contains the characters for “demon” and “eye.” Sowing these beans is believed to destroy the “demon’s eyes” and drive away negative spirits. Additionally, as one of Japan’s five staple grains, soybeans are thought to embody the blessings of the agricultural gods.

How to Sow Beans During Setsubun

Wondering how to sow beans correctly during Setsubun? Traditionally, this was a task for the family patriarch, but today, it’s often carried out by older men, women, or those with “unlucky” zodiac years. Here are the main steps for sowing beans at Setsubun:

1. Prepare the Beans: The day before Setsubun, place roasted soybeans in a container and offer them on a Kamidana (a Shinto altar) or on white paper if no altar is available, positioning them in a high place.
2. Sowing Beans: At night on Setsubun, ideally between 8 and 10 pm, start by sprinkling the beans around the entrances of your home, beginning from the back rooms and moving outward. Chant “Oni wa soto” (Demons out) and “Fuku wa uchi” (Fortune in) while sowing. When finished, remember to lock the doors to “seal out” the demons.
3. Eating the Beans: After sowing, eat one more bean than your age to guard against bad luck. If you don’t like soybeans, drink “Fukucha” tea made by adding three soybeans, kelp, and pickled plums to hot water.

Foods Eaten During Setsubun

Setsubun Iwashi

Grilled iwashi (sardines) is another Setsubun staple, as the smell of sardines is said to repel demons. People enjoy dishes like grilled iwashi, iwashi miso soup, or ginger-flavoured iwashi during this time.

Ehomaki

Ehomaki, a large sushi roll, is traditionally eaten silently while facing the “lucky direction” of the year to ensure that wishes come true. Made with seven ingredients symbolising the Seven Lucky Gods, ehomaki began as a business prayer in Osaka during the Edo period.

Peanuts

In regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Chiba, people often use peanuts instead of soybeans, as they are easier to clean up. This practice became popular between 1940 and 1955, particularly in peanut-growing areas like Chiba, where crushed peanuts are also used as a topping for sardines.

Setsubun Soba

Eating soba noodles on Setsubun was common in the Edo period and symbolises longevity. This tradition later evolved into the New Year’s Eve custom of eating Toshikoshi soba. In regions like Nagano and Shimane, it remains customary to eat soba on Setsubun.

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What are your thoughts on Setsubun? Will you try sowing beans or sampling some traditional Setsubun foods? We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this special event, its origins, and the meaning behind these customs.