Setsubun Facts & Worksheets

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that marks the beginning of spring. “Setsubun” literally translates to “seasonal division” and is celebrated annually on February 3rd, symbolizing the need for cleansing, defense against evil influences, and welcoming good fortune.

See the fact file below for more information on Setsubun, or you can download our 26-page Setsubun worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

• Every year on February 3rd, Japan celebrates the traditional festival known as Setsubun. As it signifies the change from winter to spring according to the lunar calendar, the term “Setsubun” translates as “seasonal division.” The celebration has a long history that spans several centuries.
• The “lunar division” or “changing seasons” (jieqi in Chinese) is an old Chinese tradition that can be linked to Setsubun origins. During the Nara period (710–794), Buddhism and the idea of observing the seasons’ changes were both introduced to Japan.
• When Buddhism arrived in Japan, it merged with the pre-existing cultural customs and beliefs. In order to protect against evil spirits and prepare the dwelling for the entrance of spring, Setsubun came to be known as that practice. 
• The festival’s beginnings in China and its development in Japan show the cultural interactions and influences that have occurred between the two nations.
• Setsubun, which symbolizes the need for cleansing, defense against bad influences, and welcoming good fortune as the seasons change, is still a significant element of Japanese cultural tradition.
• Setsubun is still frequently observed in homes, temples, and shrines around Japan, even though no longer regarded as a national holiday. During Setsubun, many temples and shrines have unique rituals, plays, and parades.

TRADITIONS

•  Shintoism, Japan’s native religion, and Setsubun are closely related. Shinto considers different natural phenomena and components to be inhabited by deities known as kami. 
• Specific Shinto deities are prayed to during Setsubun to receive blessings and protection. Even though various shrines may have their own unique local deities, some well-known Shinto deities connected to Setsubun include:
• Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto is a prominent Shinto God linked to luck, love, and relationships. 
• To provide luck and blessings for the future year, he is frequently summoned during Setsubun.
• The god Toshigami is associated with the beginning of the New Year and the passage of time. 
• People execute rituals like mamemaki during Setsubun to ward off evil spirits and pray for Toshigami’s blessings for the coming year. Toshigami is thought to visit households at this time.
• Oni, frequently portrayed as ogre-like creatures, play a significant symbolic role during Setsubun. They stand for bad luck and ghosts that gather with the passing of the seasons. 
• Fukumusume, or the Shrine Maidens and also the fortune girls, are young women who wear traditional kimonos and are revered as bringers of fortune. They frequently take part in Setsubun events and give participants fortune beans.

PRACTICES

• The tossing of roasted soybeans, known as mamemaki, is one of the most recognizable and popular customs associated with Setsubun. Oni (demons), which are considered to be malevolent spirits, are said to congregate near homes when the seasons change.
• Family members congregate in their homes, temples, and shrines to take part in this rite, which serves to ward off these evil forces and welcome good fortune.
• Consuming ehō-maki, a distinctive sushi roll, is another important tradition associated with Setsubun. 
• A variety of materials are used to make ehō-maki, usually including seven different lucky elements such as eel, cucumber, and egg. In Japanese culture, the number seven is considered lucky.
• Each year, in accordance with the Chinese zodiac, participants gather around a table and face the lucky direction for the upcoming year.
• Ehō-maki rolls are traditionally eaten in silence, with each bite bringing a desire. This custom represents consuming good fortune and coordinating one’s goals with uplifting seasonal energy.
• Setsubun is also linked to practices that purify the house and bring good fortune for the coming year. Burning dried sardine heads or other yomogi (purification materials) is one of the ceremonies used to purify the air and ward off evil spirits.
• Homes, temples, and shrines are decorated with unique ornaments during Setsubun. The ogi, a Japanese folding fan, is one typical ornament and represents the chasing away of evil spirits. 
• These fans are frequently presented with lucky symbols, including pictures of onis being frightened away or the Chinese sign for luck.
• Various events, such as traditional performances, dances, and parades with figures like oni and good luck deities, take place during temple and shrine ceremonies. 
• These gatherings develop a sense of community and shared cultural heritage among the attendees by establishing a lively and joyful atmosphere. 
• Visitors have the chance to observe and take part in age-old ceremonies, which helps them better grasp Japan’s extensive spiritual and cultural traditions.

SETSUBUN TODAY

• Setsubun festivities have changed in the modern-day period to accommodate modern society’s interests and lifestyles. 
• Even though the traditional customs of bean-throwing and eating ehō-maki (lucky sushi rolls) are still widely practiced, other aspects represent contemporary values.
• The commercialization of Setsubun has led to the sale of specialty Setsubun-themed goods such as roasted soybeans, ehō-maki materials, and decorative objects in supermarkets, shops, and online marketplaces. 
• Additionally, more media coverage of Setsubun, with articles, recipes, and Setsubun events, are appearing in television programs, periodicals, and social media.
• Public events and festivals have become increasingly popular as Setsubun celebrations have moved outside the confines of private households.
• Large-scale Setsubun events are planned by temples and shrines and include performances, parades, and visitor activities. These gatherings seek to uphold cultural traditions while enticing and involving a larger audience.
• The community can get together and partake in Setsubun. Setsubun events are organized by neighborhood associations, schools, and community centers in the area and draw locals of all ages to participate in mamemaki and related activities.
• These activities promote a sense of community and build ties within it.
• The progression of Setsubun into the modern era reveals its ongoing relevance and adaptability. Setsubun has embraced modern features, including commerce, public events, community involvement, and creative expressions while maintaining its traditional mamemaki and eh-maki methods.
• Promoting a sense of cultural pride and unification guarantees the festival’s continued significance and attraction in Japanese culture. 
• Setsubun bridges the gap between the past and the present, serving as an example of how cultural traditions can endure in a rapidly changing environment.

Setsubun Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Setsubun across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Setsubun. Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that marks the beginning of spring.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Setsubun Facts
2. The Land of the Rising Sun
3. Ōkuninushi
4. Setsubun on Film
5. Setsubun Practices
6. Seven Lucky Gods
7. The Fortune Girls
8. The Oni
9. Setsubun Mask
10. Setsubun Promotion
11. Our Local Festival

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is typically celebrated on February 3rd or 4th. The festival is associated with the practice of mamemaki, where roasted soybeans are thrown to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune.

Why are soybeans used during Setsubun?

Soybeans are believed to possess purifying and protective qualities in Japanese folklore. During Setsubun, roasted soybeans are thrown both inside and outside the house while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out, fortune in!”) to chase away evil spirits and bring luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Are there any other customs associated with Setsubun?

In addition to mamemaki, other customs are observed during Setsubun. One such practice is the decoration of houses with holly leaves, called “harai-no-ichi,” to ward off evil spirits. Families may also eat a special sushi roll called “ehomaki” while facing the lucky direction determined for that year.

Are there any traditional beliefs or superstitions associated with Setsubun?

One belief associated with Setsubun is the concept of “unlucky direction.” It is believed that evil spirits enter the house from a specific direction each year. To counteract this, people perform mamemaki while facing the unlucky direction and then turn to face the lucky direction to invite good fortune.

How is Setsubun celebrated in Japan?

Setsubun is celebrated with enthusiasm in Japan. Many temples and shrines hold Setsubun festivals, attracting crowds to witness the ceremonial throwing of beans by celebrities and sumo wrestlers. Families celebrate Setsubun at home by performing mamemaki together, often involving children who delight in the practice of driving away imaginary demons.

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