1.
bean-throwing; bean-scattering
The ritual of throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Performed on Setsubun (February 3), the day before the start of spring in the traditional calendar.
節分に豆まきをする。
We throw beans on Setsubun.
子供たちは豆まきが大好きだ。
Children love bean-throwing.
家族みんなで「鬼は外、福は内」と言いながら豆まきをした。
The whole family threw beans while chanting 'Demons out, fortune in!'
Compound of 豆 (beans) + まき (scattering, from 撒く). A key Setsubun tradition held on February 3.
During 豆まき, people throw roasted soybeans (炒り豆) while shouting 「鬼は外、福は内」 (Demons out, fortune in!). Afterward, each person eats the number of beans corresponding to their age (or age plus one) for good luck.
At temples and shrines, celebrities or public figures often perform 豆まき as a large public event.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 豆まきをする (to do bean-throwing)
- 節分の豆まき (Setsubun bean-throwing)
RELATED WORDS:
- 節分: the day before the start of spring (February 3)
- 鬼: demon, ogre (the target of the bean-throwing)
- 恵方巻き: lucky direction sushi roll (another Setsubun tradition)