Bean Bonanza

Today was Setsubun, so we had a special sushi dinner. I am not sure about the whole nut throwing thing, but I am very happy to munch my way through a big sushi roll and some soba. For some reason you have to eat the sushi in one big lump, rather than cut it into bite size pieces. I was told why, but I cant remember now, so I shall go away and find out about that one. For now, here is just an example of what eating a really big sushi roll looks like.



"So what is Setsubun?" I hear you cry. Let my friends at www.japan-guide.com tell you...

"Setsubun ("seasonal division") is a festival held on February 3 or 4, one day before the start of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar.

For many centuries, the people of Japan have been performing rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits at the start of spring.

Around the 13th century, for example, it became a custom to drive away evil spirits by the strong smell of burning dried sardine heads, the smoke of burning wood and the noise of drums. While this custom is not popular anymore, a few people still decorate their house entrances with fish heads and holy tree leaves in order to deter evil spirits from entering.

In modern days, the most commonly performed setsubun ritual is the throwing of roasted beans around one's house and at temples and shrines across the country. When throwing the beans, you are supposed to shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Devils out, happiness in"). Afterwards you should pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age. "