Chase The Demons Away With Beans

Setsubun, also known as the Bean-Throwing Festival, is a traditional event held on Feb 3 each year, to drive away evil spirits and bring happiness for the year by throwing soybeans.

According to the old Japanese calendar, Setsubun falls on the day before the first day of spring. It was believed that evils come when the season changes. People throw roasted soybeans at men in demon masks, chanting “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi” (Out with demons! In with fortune).

It is also believed that eating the same number of beans as your age will bring you luck. Some people wear masks of demons on their faces and let others throw beans to them.

Source: Japan Today