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【国際交流PRアソシエイトからの発信★】Setsubun Festival (節分祭)

毎年2月のはじめに、日本では特別な行事?節分が行われます。店頭に並ぶ鬼のお面や豆を目にした方も多いと思います。ところでなぜ鬼や豆が登場するのでしょうか？今回は、この季節ならではの伝統行事についてタイ人留学生のRittさんがご紹介します。

Have you ever seen demon masks and beans displayed in stores around this time of year? In early February, a special event takes place in Japan. But why do demons and beans play a role in this tradition? This time, Ritt, a Thai student, will introduce you to this seasonal custom.

（言語：英語?タイ語）(Language: English and Thai)

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Setsubun Festival (節分祭)

At this time of year, if you pass through Morioka City, you will notice decorations featuring giants and beans in store displays. Do you know the significance of these symbols and why they are associated with the festival? Today, let's explore Setsubun, a traditional celebration held on February 3rd. Since the date is based on the lunar calendar, it can vary by 1-2 days each year. In 2025, for example, it was celebrated on February 2nd.

Setsubun marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It is a time when people clean their homes and shrines to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, and one of the key customs is the mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony), where the family works together to drive away evil spirits.

Typically, the male head of the household, often the father, will wear a mask and dress as a giant, or Oni, symbolizing evil. The rest of the family will then throw beans at him while chanting, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (鬼は外 福は内), which means, "Out with the demons, in with good fortune." Afterward, they scatter beans around the house to bring happiness. Everyone then eats the number of beans equal to their age, which is believed to bring health and longevity.

Many people visit Shinto shrines during this period to participate in Setsubun ceremonies. These ceremonies often feature a dramatic bean-throwing ritual, where a Shinto priest throws beans into the crowd, who eagerly try to catch them to ensure a year of good fortune. The event usually ends with a parade of demons driven away by the beans, symbolizing the removal of bad luck.

In addition to the beans, many shops and supermarkets sell Setsubun kits, which include demon masks and beans, making it easy for anyone to participate in the festival's traditions.

Another Setsubun custom is eating Ehomaki, a large sushi roll filled with various ingredients. This roll is typically eaten whole without speaking, as it is believed to bring good luck for the year. The roll usually contains seven ingredients, representing the seven gods of fortune, and often includes items like eel, egg, and shiitake mushrooms.

Living in Morioka while studying at Iwate University offers a wonderful opportunity to experience these vibrant traditions, and learning about them can deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture. If you would like, we can share more stories about other festivals in the future!

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