Feb. 8, 2011
Bean-scattering party celebrates arrival of spring in Japan
The third day of February is a “setsubun” season-dividing day in Japan, which heralds the beginning of spring. The setsubun day is a pleasure for Japanese people not only because it ushers in spring after cold weather but also because they can obtain lucky beans in bean-scattering parties at Buddhist temples and shrines across the country.
Yugyoji, the main temple of the Jishu Buddhist sect in Fujisawa, southwest of Yokohama, attracted hundreds of worshipers for its bean-scattering party, preceded by the setsubun ritual performed by dozens of priests led by the Rev. Taa Shinen, the Jishu head priest. Bean scatterers, including the priests, climbed on a makeshift stage set up on the premises of the temple and threw small bags containing “fukumame” soybeans toward the worshipers, while shouting “Good luck in, devils out.”
“I will turn 92 this year, but I am in the best of health. We wish you happy days this year,” the Rev. Shinen, clad in long brown robes, told them.
“When you took many bags, please share them with other people, because that is mutual help,” a priest said. But when the bean-throwing party started, people around the stage scrambled to catch the beans, some of them spreading their hats and other belongings. Some of the bags contained gift certificates.
People on the stage included those chosen for the ceremony from among men and women who were born in the years of rabbit, this year’s sign of the zodiac in Chinese astrology. These “fukuotoko” men and “fukuonna” women are believed to bring about good luck for the year.
The gifts were provided by more than 20 sponsors, mainly local businesses and shop operators. Top prizes included three bicycles, and one of the bikes went to a woman in her 50s. As she was waiting to receive the prize, an onlooker said, “It’s great, isn’t it?” The woman smiled, and a sexton rang a bell in celebration. Her smile and the bell spread a happy atmosphere among people on the premises of the temple, surrounded by blooming red and white “ume” apricot trees.
Bean-scattering party celebrates arrival of spring in Japan
The third day of February is a “setsubun” season-dividing day in Japan, which heralds the beginning of spring. The setsubun day is a pleasure for Japanese people not only because it ushers in spring after cold weather but also because they can obtain lucky beans in bean-scattering parties at Buddhist temples and shrines across the country.
Yugyoji, the main temple of the Jishu Buddhist sect in Fujisawa, southwest of Yokohama, attracted hundreds of worshipers for its bean-scattering party, preceded by the setsubun ritual performed by dozens of priests led by the Rev. Taa Shinen, the Jishu head priest. Bean scatterers, including the priests, climbed on a makeshift stage set up on the premises of the temple and threw small bags containing “fukumame” soybeans toward the worshipers, while shouting “Good luck in, devils out.”
“I will turn 92 this year, but I am in the best of health. We wish you happy days this year,” the Rev. Shinen, clad in long brown robes, told them.
“When you took many bags, please share them with other people, because that is mutual help,” a priest said. But when the bean-throwing party started, people around the stage scrambled to catch the beans, some of them spreading their hats and other belongings. Some of the bags contained gift certificates.
People on the stage included those chosen for the ceremony from among men and women who were born in the years of rabbit, this year’s sign of the zodiac in Chinese astrology. These “fukuotoko” men and “fukuonna” women are believed to bring about good luck for the year.
The gifts were provided by more than 20 sponsors, mainly local businesses and shop operators. Top prizes included three bicycles, and one of the bikes went to a woman in her 50s. As she was waiting to receive the prize, an onlooker said, “It’s great, isn’t it?” The woman smiled, and a sexton rang a bell in celebration. Her smile and the bell spread a happy atmosphere among people on the premises of the temple, surrounded by blooming red and white “ume” apricot trees.
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