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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Japan Series at JapanesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Japanese holidays and observances. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 3- Setsubun |
| 節分 (Setsubun) literally means "the day that marks the change from one season to the next." In the spring, this day is called 立春 (risshun); in the summer, it’s 立夏 (rikka); in the fall, it’s 立秋 (risshū); and in the winter, it’s 立冬 (rittō). Since the Edo period in the 16th and 17th century, the day before 立春 (risshun), meaning "spring," has been the only one with the name 節分(Setsubun). It is held each year around February 4th. |
| In ancient times, people believed that evil spirits were born during the changing of the seasons, and these spirits would make people ill or destroy their crops. To protect themselves, they created a special event to exorcise a symbolic evil spirit, or demon. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- what type of fish is used as a talisman and attached to the entrance of each home? |
| If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| At places such as homes and temples, people say, "鬼は外、福は内！ (Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!)" meaning "Demons outside, fortune inside!" Then, they throw roasted soybeans, known as 福豆 (fukumame) or "fortune beans". Each family member sows beans at home. In recent years they have become available at stores like supermarkets. At temples, men and women known as 年男 (toshi otoko) and 年女 (toshi onna), meaning they were born in the same Chinese zodiac sign as the current year, throw the beans. These people are said to be vulnerable to disaster that year. After throwing the beans, one bean is eaten for each year of age, and prayers are made for good health over the course of the year. |
| Demons are a big part of throwing the beans. However, since demons are fictional and don't actually exist, fathers will often wear a demon mask and dress as a demon. At kindergartens and nurseries, teachers will play the role of the demon. While children are a little scared, they cheerfully throw beans while chanting "demons outside, fortune inside." The demon then rushes away and escapes through a door. |
| At 節分 (Setsubun), 恵方巻 (ehōmaki) is eaten for good luck. This is a large sushi roll stuffed with Japanese omelette, cucumber, and gourd. Sushi rolls are usually cut into bite-size pieces, but ehōmaki is eaten just as it is, approximately twenty centimeters in length. There is also an interesting custom of eating this meal while facing the "lucky direction" for that given year. |
| Here’s our fun fact for the day! Did you know that while in most regions people chant "demons outside, fortune inside," in some places people chant "fortune inside, demons inside?" At temples dedicated to demons, it’s thought that demons are for the use of a God, and so chanting "demons outside" is taboo. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- what type of fish is used as a talisman? |
| The correct answer is the "sardine." Demons are said to dislike the fishy smell of sardines. So these fish are attached to a holly branch, which is then hung on the door. Thorns also grow on holly trees, and it is believed that they too have the power of a talisman to ward away demons. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? |
| Did you learn something new? |
| Is there a similar event to Setsubun in your country? |
| Please leave us a comment telling us at JapanesePod101.com. |
| And we’ll see you next time! |
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