All about Setsubun

Setsubun is a special festival celebrated in Japan as part of the Shinto religion. It marks the beginning of spring and is a time to drive away bad luck and bring in good luck.

  1. What is Setsubun?
  2. What does the phrase "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" mean?
  3. What is mamemaki?
  4. Why do people throw roasted soybeans during Setsubun?
  5. How does Setsubun bring families together?

Symbols and Traditions

Setsubun is a special festival celebrated in Japan as a way to welcome the arrival of spring. In Shintoism, Setsubun is a time to cleanse and purify homes from any bad luck or evil spirits from the previous year.

During Setsubun, people participate in fun and lively rituals like throwing roasted soybeans outside their homes or at family members dressed as demons, while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" which means "Demons out, luck in!" This tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year.

Another important symbol of Setsubun is the use of a special item called a "mamemaki," which is a small bag filled with roasted soybeans. People throw these beans to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune into their lives.

Setsubun is a time for families to come together, have fun, and celebrate the changing of the seasons. It's a colorful and exciting festival that helps people start the new year with positivity and good energy.

  1. What is the significance of throwing roasted soybeans during Setsubun?
  2. Explain the meaning of the phrase "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"
  3. How is the mamemaki used during Setsubun?
  4. How does Setsubun help in welcoming the new year with positivity?
  5. Discuss the importance of family participation in Setsubun celebrations.

My Family and Setsubun

Hi, my name is Emily and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you all about a special festival called Setsubun that my family celebrates. Setsubun is a traditional festival in Japan to welcome the arrival of spring and cleanse homes from any bad luck or evil spirits from the previous year.

  1. How do people celebrate Setsubun?
  2. What is the significance of throwing roasted soybeans during Setsubun?
  3. Why is it important to shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" during the festival?
  4. What is the purpose of using a "mamemaki" during Setsubun?
  5. Why is Setsubun considered a time for families to come together?

Comparing Setsubun to another Festival

After learning all about Setsubun, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Setsubunand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Setsubun
A full set of teaching plans for Setsubunteaching.