Setsubun Is Almost Here
Hello.
This is Akari, a drinker (who aspires to be a lady).
Setsubun is almost here.
As the characters suggest, "Setsubun" is the day that marks the turning of the seasons.
On the calendar, spring begins with "Risshun," the day after Setsubun... In other words, it was regarded as "the day a new year begins."
Since ancient times, it was believed that "evil spirits enter easily at the turning of the seasons," and because "this time of year (early February) is still cold and easy to fall ill," a ritual called tsuina was performed to welcome the new year by driving out evil spirits and praying for a year of good health.
It's fascinating how the bean-throwing chants and customs differ from region to region.
For example, at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, the bean-throwing chant is only "Fortune in!" It's said that because the enshrined Fudo Myoo is always driving away demons, there's no need for "Demons out!"
The foods said to be good to eat on Setsubun are also varied—eho-maki rolls, kenchin soup, konnyaku, Setsubun soba, whale, and barley rice, among others.
Long, long ago, my family would decorate the entrance with "hiiragi-iwashi" (holly and sardine) on Setsubun.
Hiiragi-iwashi is a grilled sardine head skewered onto a holly branch.
Hiiragi-iwashi is a custom that has continued since the Heian period as a charm against evil.
It's said that the thorns of the holly leaves pierce the demon's eyes so it can't enter through the entrance, and that the smell and smoke of the grilled sardine keep the demon away.
Do you have any Setsubun "traditions"?
Bean throwing? Making eho-maki by hand?
May you spend your days in good health and peace.
Seasonal events are worth cherishing.
And on Risshun, the day after Setsubun, I plan to enjoy this sake.
I bought it last year too, and it seems I was the very first customer.
(Do they think I want to drink that badly??)
This year I think I'll visit the shop a bit later in the day.
See you again!
Today too, peacefully, an ichigo (一合, 180 ml) or two!