Arab News Japan

TOKYO: February 3 in Japan is known for the ‘Setsubun ritual’, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, according to the old lunar calendar. It is known for bean throwing.

Setsubun is a traditional ritual practice that was established nearly a thousand years ago between the Heian era and the Muromachi era.

According to legend, before the Muromachi period, a monk decided to fight a demon by throwing roasted beans in his face to blind him. The Japanese character representing bean also means “evil eye.”

At Fuchu Shrine, a Shinto high priest recalled the tale before starting the ceremony, with a large crowd rushing to receive roasted beans that they believe will bring good luck.

HIDEYOSHI Kan, a well-known actor dressed as a samurai, and local personalities threw the lucky beans into the crowd with everyone hoping to be lucky enough to receive one or more bags.

It is sometimes customary to chant: “Demons, outside the home, and happiness inside (the home).”

Okunitama Shrine is famous for housing a deity who wards off misfortune. After the Setsubun ceremony the pilgrims were invited to throw coins into the offering box. According to a statement from the shrine, the offerings collected will be used to rebuild shrines damaged by the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula.