Setsubun ("seasonal division") is
a festival that is held on February 3, one day before spring
starts according to the Japanese lunar calendar. Since the
Edo period (1603-1867), the rite of throwing around roasted
beans inside one's house is performed on Setsubun these beans
are believed to rid evil spirits. Afterwards, everybody is
supposed to pick up and eat the number of beans that corresponds
to one's age.
