Setsubun

 Setsubun is a festival that is held in Japan at the beginning of February.  According to the old lunar calendar the day after Setsubun is the start of spring, Setsubun literally means seasonal division. Although not a national holiday it is still observed by a lot of people. The idea is to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune at the beginning of spring.

One custom was to burn dried sardine heads, it was thought that the smell of the burning fish and the sound of drums would chase away the evil spirits. Although not so popular any more, some people still put sardine heads and holly branches on their front doors.

Today throwing beans at a person in a demon mask is done through out Japan. As the beans are thrown you shout "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" "Demons out, good fortune in". 

I remember teaching in kindergartens when they would do this. The poor kids would be traumatised by the guy in the demon mask but with the encouragement of the teachers the kids would throw the beans and chase the demon out. I never knew who to feel more sorry for, the kids or the poor guy being pelted with beans! 

"Demon out, good fortune in!".

The longer I'm in Japan the more I can appreciate these festivals. When the kids were little we would try to participate but I never understood the history or the reason for things such as Setsubun.  Now I have time to read about it, to learn it's origins. Also having adult kids who love history helps, they are mine of information on these things!