"Setsubun - February 2-4th - Hanamachi: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontocho, Kamishichiken, Miyagawacho Setsubun is the day preceding risshun that is the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar, or the so-called lunar calendar. On the day of Setsubun, there is the custom of mamemaki(literally ""bean throwing""). Roasted soybeans (called ""fortune beans"" (fuku mame)) are thrown either out the door or at a member of the family wearing an Oni (demon or ogre) mask, while the people say ""Demons out! Luck in!"" (鬼は外! 福は内! Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!) Although this is not common practice in households anymore most people will attend a shrine or temple's spring festival where this is done. The beans are thought to symbolically purify the home by driving away the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. Then, as part of bringing luck in, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one's life, and in some areas, one for each year of one's life plus one more for bringing good luck for the year to come. (sources: 1
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