---

Setsubun
(Ikegamihonmonji-temple in Ota-ward,Tokyo)

---

　Setsubun used to be the day before the beginning of spring, summer, fall and winter. However "Risshun", the first day of spring was basically the beginning of new year according to the Japanese lunar calendar which had been used until 130 years ago.
　That made Setsubun signyfy just the eve of the first day of spring, "Risshun"- the present Feb.3 or 4. (Feb.3 for this year)

　There is a custom of throwing parched soy beans-Mamemaki on Setsubun and it was done here in Ikegamihonmonji like other temples. Children were desperately catching beans as many as possible.

---

go to Top page