New common sense for Setsubun 2025! Bean-throwing and Ehomaki for parents and children to enjoy together
What is Setsubun? An annual event in early February is the throwing of beans to celebrate iron.
Since ancient times, families have thrown beans while chanting, "Oni wa soto~. Fuku wa uchi~."
As the name suggests, this is an event to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness to the home.
In recent years, the custom of eating ehomaki has begun to be emphasized ,
On Setsubun, the whole family eats ehomaki.
Here we will also explain in detail the direction you should face when eating it.
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If you would like to know more about other annual events, customs, and festivals in Japan, please see " Learn more about annual events in traditional Japanese culture ."
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2. How to Throw Beans on Setsubun and Its Meaning - Throw beans properly to ward off evil spirits
4. Setsubun Events: Recommended Spots Across Japan - Notable Setsubun Events and How to Participate
6. Setsubun Decoration Ideas - Enjoy DIY seasonal decorations
7. Enjoy making your own demon mask on Setsubun day ~Easy to make even for kids~
8. Setsubun Events: Costume Ideas and Costumes - Trendy Costumes
10. The relationship between Buddhism and Setsubun Day events : Religious background and meaning
A detailed explanation of the origin and history of Setsubun: Why bean throwing was born and what the background is behind it
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event that celebrates the change of seasons and also aims to ward off evil spirits .
Setsubun originated in ancient China and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period.
At that time, it was performed as a ritual to prevent disasters , and the practice of throwing beans to drive away demons became established.
The bean-throwing custom is called "mame" (mame), which means "to destroy evil spirits," and continues to this day.
Setsubun is celebrated especially on the day before the beginning of spring, and is a popular day for families to ward off evil spirits .
A Complete Guide to Setsubun Bean Throwing: Learn the Correct Way and the Benefits
Bean throwing is an important ritual to ward off evil spirits .
At home, it is common to throw beans from the front door or window while chanting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, good fortune in).
The beans used are roasted soybeans, and after planting them, it is said that it is good to eat the same number of beans as your age .
This is meant to be a prayer for good health .
In recent years, it is sometimes recommended to avoid scattering beans inside the house and to do it outside.
Bean throwing is not only a way to ward off evil spirits, but is also an important opportunity to strengthen family bonds .
How to enjoy Setsubun with your children: Fun play ideas for children and bean-throwing songs
Setsubun is an event that can be enjoyed by parents and children together .
Children will enjoy joining in if you sing the bean-throwing song together while throwing the beans.
For example, children can have fun throwing beans to the rhythm of "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons outside! Fuku in!)
We also recommend making your own demon mask .
Children can enjoy the bean-throwing even more by using masks they have made themselves.
At the end, it is a good idea to take time to pray for good health while following the custom of eating the same number of beans as your age .
Popular Setsubun Event Spots in Tokyo and Ehomaki Trends
Many Setsubun events are held in Tokyo every year.
This year, bean-throwing events at shrines and temples are attracting particular attention.
For example, large-scale bean-throwing ceremonies are held at Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine, attracting many visitors.
Also, the trend of ehomaki is not to be missed .
This year's lucky direction is south-southeast, and supermarkets and convenience stores across the country are
Many different variations of ehomaki will be on sale.
It's also fun to try new flavors and shapes of ehomaki .
Setsubun Ehomaki Guide: Directions and Tips for Enjoying It
Ehomaki is one of the essential foods for Setsubun .
It is said that if you eat Ehomaki in silence while facing the direction of the lucky direction, your wishes will come true.
The trick to eating it is to first wrap the ingredients tightly and then eat the whole thing without cutting it.
This means not cutting ties .
In recent years, original ehomaki with traditional ingredients has also appeared .
For example, variations using seafood and fruit are also popular .
How to make Setsubun decorations: Stylish DIY decorations that even beginners can easily make
Setsubun decorations are an important element in enjoying the seasonal atmosphere .
As a DIY decoration that even beginners can easily do,
There are decorations such as demons made from origami and wreaths made from beans .
Origami demons are especially popular with children because they are colorful and fun to make .
Also, if you decorate the entrance of your home with a bean wreath, it acts as a talisman and brightens up the atmosphere in your home.
These decorations can be enjoyed by the whole family and will add to the Setsubun atmosphere.
Make your own Setsubun costume! A collection of easy ideas
Dressing up for Setsubun is a fun element that adds excitement to the event .
In particular, handmade costumes are unique and can create a personal look.
A simple idea is to make a red or blue demon costume .
Using colorful felt, we handcrafted demon horns and pants .
Add some face paint and you'll have a truly authentic costume.
Parents and children can also enjoy a sense of unity by making matching costumes.
Make your own Setsubun demon mask! A beginner's guide to Buddhist history and tradition
The demon masks worn during Setsubun have Buddhist significance .
Oni symbolize worldly desires and evil spirits , and people wear oni masks to ward them off.
Handmade demon masks can be made more meaningful by keeping traditional colors and shapes in mind .
For example, red demons represent anger and blue demons represent jealousy .
We will introduce a method using paper plates and construction paper so that even beginners can easily make it.
Using these materials, you can easily make an authentic demon mask .
Easy ways to ward off evil spirits during Setsubun and other traditional rituals besides bean-throwing
In addition to bean-throwing, there are various other customs for warding off evil spirits on Setsubun.
For example, it is said that displaying holly sardines at the entrance of the house will ward off demons and evil spirits.
There is also a purification ceremony using salt and sake .
All of these are prayers for the health and safety of family members .
These traditional ceremonies vary from region to region,
It is a good idea to check local customs before you start practicing.
By observing these customs, you can pray for safety throughout the year .
The unknown relationship between Buddhism and Setsubun: exploring its religious background and unexpected meaning
Setsubun is also deeply connected to Buddhist teachings .
In Buddhism, demons are considered symbols of worldly desires and evil spirits , and bean throwing is done to drive them away.
Setsubun itself is also associated with Buddhist purification rituals .
It is considered an event to ward off bad luck.
Furthermore, in Buddhism, the demons of the Six Realms are depicted as beings that punish people for their sins ,
The Setsubun demon is also said to have originated from this.
Understanding the religious background can help us better understand the deeper meaning of Setsubun.
In this way, Setsubun is not just a traditional event ,
This shows that it is an important event aimed at spiritual purification.
Easy Setsubun Costumes and Ideas to Liven Up Your DIY Cosplay Event
Dressing up for Setsubun is a fun idea to make the event even more exciting .
Handmade cosplay, in particular, is key to creating a unique look .
Here are some ways to create a demon costume that reflects this year's trends:
Handmade items using readily available materials such as felt and paper are popular.
For example, we made demon horns and pants out of colorful fabric and felt .
Adding face paint to your face is an easy way to create an impactful costume.
Also, having parents and children dress up in matching costumes will increase the sense of unity throughout the event .
Let's make Setsubun even more exciting through fun and easy costumes .
Save time and have fun! Tips for making the most of Setsubun and Buddhist trivia
Here are some tips to help you enjoy Setsubun in a short amount of time .
First, it's important to keep your preparations simple .
For example, by pre-packing beans for the bean-throwing ceremony ,
Preparations for the day will go smoothly.
Also, if you prepare some easy decorations and handmade masks in advance,
All you have to do on Setsubun day is have fun.
Furthermore, if we incorporate some Buddhist trivia ,
This will deepen your understanding of Setsubun and make the day even more meaningful.
For example, the act of expelling the worldly desires symbolized by demons,
When I explained to the children the traditional meaning of scattering beans to ward off evil spirits ,
This will make the time you share with your family during Setsubun even more fulfilling.
Summary: Understand the meaning of Setsubun and enjoy eating ehomaki and throwing beans.
Setsubun is a traditional event celebrating the change of seasons that is still enjoyed in many households today.
In addition to traditional events such as bean throwing and ehomaki,
Handmade costumes and decorations that parents and children can enjoy together are popular.
In particular, by understanding the Buddhist meaning,
This will make the Setsubun celebrations even more profound .
Participate in Setsubun events held in various places,
By cherishing customs of warding off evil spirits , let us pray for good health and happiness for the year ahead.
Finally, through these preparations, you will be able to deepen your bonds with your family and have a fulfilling Setsubun.
