(238) Flying beans

Last Sunday, February 3rd was the “Setsubun” (節分) the last day of winter and the day of the custom called “mame-maki” (豆撒き); if you haven’t already, check my yesterday column in Greecejapan for more details. Anyway, the custom of the day is to throw roasted soybeans on the street outside your house thus driving away the “oni” (鬼) demons/ogres/trolls and bringing good luck. The packs in the picture are filled with these beans and the drawing on them is that of an oni. 

(For a bigger version of this picture both in color and black and white, check my "Japan Arekore" set on Flickr)