Setsubun is a Japanese festival that marks the beginning of each season, specifically the day before the start of spring, summer, autumn and winter in the traditional lunisolar calendar. It originates from Heian period Japan when it was used to ward off evil spirits. On Setsubun, people traditionally throw beans to drive away demons and pray for good luck in the coming year. They say, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi.”
In English, “oni” is a supernatural creature in Japanese culture, often depicted as a demon or evil spirit. It is typically characterized as attacking people and doing suspicious things. “Oni” is a unique concept in Japanese culture and mythology, and is not found in the same form in other cultures. However, similar supernatural creatures with demonic or evil connotations exist in many cultures worldwide.
There are many festivals related to supernatural creatures in different cultures around the world. One example is:
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It is associated with ghosts, witches, and other supernatural creatures. For many people, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
The custom of throwing beans is a part of various festivals and traditions in different cultures. In Japan, people throw beans at Oni to go away. The custom of throwing beans, particularly, is less common outside of Japan. Other things, like colored powders or bags filled with wheat, are thrown instead. However, there are a few examples of this tradition in different cultures:
Beàn Òir in Scotland: During this festival, people throw beans or other small objects as a symbol of purification and renewal.
The custom was to throw bean seeds into a fire to keep evil spirits away. It was also done to make good crops.