Japanese Holiday – 節分 (Setsubun)

February 3: 節分 (Setsubun)

Setsubun is not a national holiday but is a traditional festival that is held on February 3, the day before the start of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. The most common form of setsubun ritual is to scatter roasted soy beans around the house or shrine to drive out evil spirits and draw in happiness. After the beans are scattered, people collect and eat however many beans corresponding to their age for good luck.