Setsubun

Yesterday was 節分(Setsubun).

節 means 'season' and 分 means 'division', so Setsubun is the day before the biginning of spring according to the Japanese lunar calender.



And the most commonly performed Setsubun ritual is the throwing of roasted beans around the house.

When we throw the beans, we are supposed to shout "鬼は外、福は内(Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!; Devils out! Happiness in!)"

Afeterwards we eat the number of beans which corresponds to our age.



Of course I did that ritual (except shouting) yesterday.

I really hope 'happiness in'!!