(no subject)
Feb. 1st, 2006 | 02:57 pm
No:: san
People in Japan traditionally celebrate custom of Setsubun on February
3rd by tossing roasted soybeans away from their homes and shouting,
"Out with the bad!" and welcoming the good luck by tossing beans toward
their homes, saying, "In with the good!"
But there's another custom at Setsubun, which is less common in current
urban areas, of placing a holly branch through a grilled sardine head
at the entrance to one's home.
The holly tree is believed to have the power to ward off negative
energy, while the sardine head fends off evil spirits or "oni" who hate
the smell. Why not celebrate with both customs this Setsubun?
3rd by tossing roasted soybeans away from their homes and shouting,
"Out with the bad!" and welcoming the good luck by tossing beans toward
their homes, saying, "In with the good!"
But there's another custom at Setsubun, which is less common in current
urban areas, of placing a holly branch through a grilled sardine head
at the entrance to one's home.
The holly tree is believed to have the power to ward off negative
energy, while the sardine head fends off evil spirits or "oni" who hate
the smell. Why not celebrate with both customs this Setsubun?