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Setsubun Day in Japan

I love soynuts and eat them often. February 3rd was（ 節分）Setsubun Day in Japan. It marks the changing of the seasons from winter to spring. Most Japanese remember performing the "Mamemaki"soynuts toss as children. A member of the household wears the "Oni" or demon mask and has the soybeans thrown at him or her. The soynut throwers chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外! 福は内!). Out with the bad luck(demon) and in with the good luck. Each person must then eat the same number of soynuts as their age. All of this is meant to symbolically purify oneself and drive away any evil spirits that might cause misfortune or poor health.

For more on Japanese culture, have a look at Jun's Japanese Culture pages.
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Comments

High Desert Diva said…
It's always interesting to me to read of other cultural rituals.

I've enjoyed reading through your poetry and previous posts.
2/08/2008
jewelstreet said…
That's very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing.
2/08/2008
GalleryJuana said…
Thank you both for your stopping by!
2/10/2008
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