Japanese Idol, Nanami Asai wearing an Oni mask for Setsubun.
What is Setsubun?
Setsubun is celebrated on the last day of winter which usually falls on 2nd February. It’s to cleanse out the bad energy from the biting cold winter and welcome the spring season. Families will put roasted soybeans in asakemasu.
Typically, the head of the household throws these beans outside the front door, chanting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons get out! good luck come in!”). Sometimes, the father dresses like an oni (demon) and the children throw beans at him while yelling, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!“.
This bean throwing tradition is called mamemaki, or “scattering of beans.” It’s to symbolize purifying the home from evil spirits and misfortune lingering from the previous year.
Why Beans?
In Japanese folklore, beans are symbols of good luck. Soybeans are the second favorite (after rice, of course) in the Shinto tradition. Since soybeans are bigger and slightly more intimidating than rice, they became a favorite in the Setsubun tradition to ward off demons.
More info on Setsubun here.