Fortune Beans

February 3rd, which is one day before Risshun (the first day of spring on the lunar calendar), is called Setsubun ("set soo boon") in Japan. It's not a national holiday, but mame maki (bean throwing) ceremonies are performed on Setsubun. Traditionally, people throw roasted soy beans called fuku mame or fortune beans, shouting 'oni wa so to' (get out demons) and 'fu ku wa uchi' (come in happiness.) It is believed that people will be healthy and happy if they pick up and eat fuku mame the number equal to their ages (for me that was a lot of beans). Yesterday, we visited a local shrine, to get beans to receive good fortune for the year. At our shrine, there were a bunch of older men who were standing up on the shrine platform. At the designated time, every half hour from four to five, they would throw cellophane bags full of candy and beans, loose beans, coins, or small Japanese oranges out at the crowd. (It was very reminiscent of Mardi-gras but without the drinking or the beads!) The crowd was standing with open shopping bags ready to catch what they could. Some older men were walking around feeling sorry for the Gai-jin (foreigners) and bestowed upon us bean bags and coins! They were also serving "Sweet bean soup" or oshiruko which is a traditional Japanese dessert. The "soup" is made of azuki beans (the size of black beans, but red) which are boiled and crushed, served warm with the liquid in a bowl with mochi. Mochi is glutinous rice cake and tastes and looks a bit like potato gnochi...really chewy. Also, I found out how to use a shrine...each shrine is dedicated to a specific God and has a specific function. My friend Jessica and I ran away from the one for pregancy but settled on the one for education and learning. You make a monetary offering, .50 or a dollar, ring the bell, clap twice and then say a prayer. Hopefully I will be able to learn Japanese faster and easier now! Anyway, it was really fun to go and experience this ceremony. Jessica took some pictures so I will post them when I get them!