A day to gently let go of the demons in your heart - A small prayer called Setsubun
Setsubun: A day to gently let go of the demons in your heart
At the end of winter, a faint hint of spring begins to mix in the still cold wind.
We celebrate a quiet ritual called "Setsubun."
Throw beans. Drive away demons. Face the direction of the lucky direction and silently stuff your face with sushi rolls.
Perhaps somewhere deep within us we know that behind each and every one of these actions lies an invisible "prayer."
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[The beginning of Setsubun: The meaning behind the turning point of the seasons]
"Setsubun" originally meant the change of seasons.
Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but the day before the beginning of spring is a special day that marks the beginning of the year according to the old calendar.
Therefore, today, when people say "Setsubun," they are referring to this day around February 3rd.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that evil spirits are more likely to enter the home during the change of seasons.
During this time of year when cold and warmth are competing with each other, people's minds and bodies tend to become unstable.
That is why a ritual to ward off evil spirits was necessary on Setsubun.
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What are demons? An invisible form of anxiety
When we think of Setsubun, we imagine the scene of people throwing beans while shouting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, good fortune in).
So, who exactly is this "demon"?
Demons are symbols of the invisible darkness of the heart, such as anxiety, fear, anger, and jealousy.
It's not something that lies within others, but something that lies within yourself.
The Setsubun bean-throwing ritual is a small ritual to drive away such "inner demons."
The beans also have the pun meaning of "destroying evil" (mame).
Roasted soybeans are sown to prevent the seeds from sprouting.
In other words, it is a wish that evil will not sprout again.
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[The tranquility of ehomaki: A silent prayer, a moment of meditation]
In recent years, "Ehomaki" has become firmly established as a part of Setsubun.
The custom is to face the lucky direction (lucky direction) of the year and eat one roll of sushi in silence.
It is said that it originally spread from the merchant culture of the Kansai region, and was a way to pray for prosperous business and good health.
This act of "eating in silence" is somewhat similar to meditation.
Without speaking, they simply eat quietly and with a wish.
It's also a time to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and listen to your inner self.
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[Everyday tools and Setsubun: The sense of protection that resides in clasp purses]
WABISUKE offers tools for everyday life, such as clasps and cloth accessories.
Another great idea is to use a clasp purse as a bag to hold the beans for Setsubun.
The sound of a clasp closing has a certain charm-like quality.
By keeping your mouth tightly closed, you can prevent evil spirits from entering from outside and maintain inner peace.
This feeling somehow overlaps with the spirit of Setsubun.
The clasp purse can also be used as a "memory container" to gently store away the shells left over after eating the beans on Setsubun, or pieces of paper with wishes written on them.
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Modern Setsubun: Even if the form changes, prayers continue
In modern life, fewer and fewer households may be throwing beans.
However, the essence of Setsubun lies not in its form, but in its heart.
For example, write down the feelings or anxieties you want to let go of on a piece of paper and burn them.
Alternatively, take a deep, quiet breath and chant in your mind, "Oni wa soto (Demons out)."
In this way, finding your own way to spend Setsubun is also a modern form of prayer.
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Cultivating culture
Setsubun is not just an annual event.
It is a "cultural rhythm" that calms the mind at the turning points of the seasons.
The attitude of "nurturing culture" that we value is embodied in these small habits.
Throw beans. Make a wish. Eat quietly.
Each and every one of these experiences sows a seed called "peace of mind" in our hearts.
What demon will you let go of this year's Setsubun?
And what kind of blessings do you want to receive?
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[Editor's Note]
At WABISUKE, we view seasonal events as "turning points in the heart" and continue to offer suggestions that gently integrate them into everyday life.
We hope that these clasp purses and cloth accessories will gently wrap you up in your Setsubun moments.