One of the seasonal events known as “Setsubun” (lit. “seasonal division”)” falls on February 3 this year. According to the lunar calendar, “Setsubun” was considered to be a sort of New Year’s Eve. It is customary to do the special ritual to cleanse away all the evil of the former year and drive away evil spirits for the year to come. “Mamemaki” (bean throwing) is the most popular ritual. We throw roasted soybeans while saying “Devil out, luck in.”
Another custom is to eat uncut makizushi called “Eho-Maki” (lit. "lucky direction roll") in silence on “Setsubun “ while facing the yearly lucky compass direction, determined by the zodiac symbol of that year. This is more recent trend originated from Osaka. Until you finish eating it, you cannot talk even one word. Otherwise, luck will be gone.
When you try “Eho-Maki”, you should have tea with you so that you won’t get it stuck in your throat!
