Setsubun (Japanese)
[Setsubun (Japanese)]February 3rd is the day of Setsubun.Setsubun refers to the day before the beginning of each season (the first days of spring, summer, fall and winter).The literal meaning of the word Setsubun is “division of the seasons,”Out of all the 4 Setsubun days, Risshun (the first day of spring) is the most special day.Back in the day, the Japanese new year started on Risshun (The first day of spring).Modern day New Year’s Eve was the Setsubun day of Risshun.Setsubun signifies the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.Setsubun is the coldest day of the year.It is believed that *Oni come when the seasons change in Japan.*Oni: a devil-like creature from Japanese folklore.There are many rituals to exorcise these Oni.The rituals differ in each region.