#34: Bean-Tossing Buddha — February 3, 2013

Setsubun is a holiday that marks the beginning of spring according the ancient Japanese lunar calendar. 

Households throughout the country celebrate the holiday every February 3rd by tossing fukumame, roasted soybeans that are supposed to symbolize good luck, as the head of the household parades through the house wearing a demon's mask. 

As they throw the beans, everyone shouts "Oni wa soto! Uchi ga fuku!" (Demons out! Happiness In!) The ritual is said to purify the home and bring luck to the family for another year.

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