What is the difference between Risshun and Setsubun? | Explanation of the relationship with Shunsetsubun and overseas spring events

Risshun and Setsubun are both names for seasons in the calendar.

The Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony also has the important role of driving away evil spirits in advance of Risshun, which marks the beginning of spring.

This article explains the following regarding Risshun and Setsubun.

• Relationship between Risshun and Setsubun
• Why Only Japan Has a Bean-throwing Ceremony on Setsubun
• Difference from Chinese New Year
• The Right Way to Spend Setsubun

Also, please check out the following list of events held abroad to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Is Risshun different from Setsubun?

First, let me explain the difference between Risshun and Setsubun and their relationship.

What is Risshun?

Risshun” is one of the names for the four seasons on the calendar and means the beginning of spring.

Risshun is one of the 24 seasonal divisions of the year based on the ancient Chinese calendar system called Nijushiki, which divides the year into six equal seasons, for a total of 24 seasons.

The “summer solstice” and “winter solstice,” which we sometimes hear about in the news, are also part of the 24 solar terms.

In addition to Risshun, “spring” in the 24 solar terms includes the following

• rain water
• “Keichitsu” (the day of the earthquake)
• Vernal Equinox (vernal equinox)
• Qingming
• “grain rain

Among them, many people are familiar with the “vernal equinox,” which is also a national holiday in Japan.

In the lunar calendar, the 24 seasonal divisions had a subsidiary position in indicating the seasons, and were used to determine the timing of events and agricultural work.

Risshun day = not February 4

Many people may think that “Risshun day = February 4.

However, the actual “day of Risshun” may shift from February 4 once every few decades .

The reasons for this are as follows

The 24 seasons determine the calendar astronomically based on the angle of the sun.

In modern times, based on observations by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the day when the angle of the sun reaches 315 degrees = Risshun.

However, the orbital period of the earth (one solar year) is not exactly 365 days per year, but is actually 6 hours longer than 365 days.

Therefore, the calendar does not follow the 365-day calendar, and there are slight deviations each year.

Although adjustments are made in leap years, the date of the first day of spring may shift from February 4 once every few decades, when the discrepancy is still large.

In fact, in 2021, for the first time in 37 years, the date of Risshun was shifted to February 3.

Reference: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Calendar Guidelines

Customs of Risshun in Japan

“Risshun” is now heard only in weather forecasts.

Although not well known, Japan also has the following customs related to Risshun.

Put a “Risshun Daikichi” (great luck) talisman on your gate or front door.

On the morning of Risshun, a lucky omote (a talisman) with the inscription ” Risshun daikichi” is pasted on the gate of a temple or on the entrance of a house.

Since Risshun Daikichi can be read as Risshun Daikichi even when it is turned over, it is believed that when a demon trying to enter the house looks back at the front door, it mistakenly thinks that it has not yet entered the house, leaves, and goes.

You will find them in Zen temples and danka.

Eating “Risshun Fresh Sweets

Risshun Namagashi is fresh confections made on the morning of Risshun and eaten on the same day.

Popular items include cherry blossom rice cakes and fresh confections in the shape of plum blossoms, which remind us of spring.

Daifuku and other foods filled with red bean paste are also considered auspicious when eaten on Risshun because they are made from azuki beans, which are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Eating “Risshun Daikichi Tofu

It is said that white food has the power to ward off evil spirits, purify the body, and bring happiness, and it is good to eat white tofu on Setsubun and Risshun as ” Risshun daikichi tofu.

Eating it on Setsubun (the first day of the spring) dispels evil spirits, and eating it on the following day, Risshun (the first day of spring), brings good luck to the purified body.

Since it is considered important for tofu to be white, it is best to use seasonings that do not add color, such as salt, instead of soy sauce.

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun is one of the unique Japanese calendar “Zassetsu”.

It was created as an adjunct to the 24 seasonal divisions that originated in China to grasp the changes in the four seasons.

In addition to Setsubun, Higan (the equinoctial equinox) and 88th night also fall into the category of Zousetsu.

Setsubun originally means “the turning point or division of the seasons,” and each of spring, summer, fall, and winter has its own Setsubun.

So, strictly speaking, there are four Setsubun in a year.

Setsubun is the day before Risshun, Risshatsu, Risshu, and Risshunyu.

Therefore, Setsubun is not “Setsubun = February 3,” but may be moved back or forth from February 3 in accordance with the date of Risshun (the first day of spring).

Spring Setsubun, which was considered important

So why was only the spring Setsubun considered important?

In ancient China, where the 24 seasons originated, spring was considered the beginning of the year.

It is very natural to think of spring as “the beginning” after a long winter, when plants and trees are budding and living creatures are becoming more active.

Spring was positioned as an important season in Japan at that time, too, which was greatly influenced by it.

And somehow, only the spring “Setsubun” became commonplace and remained on the calendar as a custom.

Setsubun is a time to “drive away evil spirits” before the first day of spring

Setsubun has the role of driving away misfortunes before the important Risshun (the first day of spring).

During the change of seasons from winter to spring, your physical condition is likely to change, as it has in the past and still is today.

February, the month of the spring equinox, is considered in modern times to be a time of strong infectious disease outbreaks, such as influenza and norovirus.

At the time, I thought the cause of that malaise was due to a calamity/demon.

Therefore, people in the past thought of driving away disasters and demons before welcoming a new spring.

This is the origin of the current custom of bean-throwing on Setsubun to drive away ogres.

Only in Japan do people throw beans.

It is a custom only in Japan to throw beans on Setsubun to ward off bad luck.

It started as a ceremony called “Tsuina” in ancient China to drive away the plague.

It is said to have been introduced to Japan during the Asuka period (710-794), when masked ogres were chased away by officials.

Also called “oniyarai,” it was originally held as an event at court, but at that time it was not yet customary to sow beans.

In fact, the timing and origin of when the bean-throwing ceremony began on Setsubun is still not clearly known.

However, according to “Gagumo Nichijo-Roku,” a journal left by a monk in the mid Muromachi period (1336-1573), there is a record that people were already chanting “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi” while throwing beans during the Nanbokucho period (1336-1573).

In any case, the Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony is a uniquely Japanese custom that has been enjoyed by people since ancient times.

Reference: National Diet Library

Why Only Japan Sows Beans

Since ancient times, it has been believed in Japan that “demons have the habit of counting small things.

Beans are also said to “destroy demons = 魔滅.

This folklore is believed to have changed as a way to ward off bad luck on Setsubun, and only in Japan did people start to throw beans.

It is said that if many small beans are sprinkled on Setsubun to drive away ogres, the ogres will end up counting the beans and will not be able to attack people.

It’s not that ogres don’t like beans, but that they get so caught up in counting them that they forget their purpose.

When you think about it, even the strong-looking ogres seem to have some kind of charm.

At first, azuki beans and rice, which were believed to ward off evil spirits, were sown, but since azuki beans were very expensive at the time, soybeans, which were more readily available, were substituted.

In some areas, peanuts are thrown in their shells as they are, for hygiene reasons and to avoid burial in snow.

What is the relationship with Chinese New Year?

The “Chinese New Year” is often heard in the Chinese-speaking world, but is it related to Risshun or Setsubun?

Next, the relationship between Risshun and Setsubun and Shunsetsubun is explained.

Risshun and Chinese New Year are not the same thing

The term “Shunsetsusetsu” is often confused with Risshun and Setsubun, but they are actually two different things.

The Spring Festival is another name for the so-called “Chinese New Year,” the first day of the year according to the lunar calendar.

The lunar calendar is based on the solar lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon and incorporates the movement of the sun as a supplement.

In contrast, the 24 seasons, including Risshun, are based on the position of the sun.

Since both Risshun and Chinese New Year sometimes fall in early February, many people think that they are related, but in fact, the criteria are different to begin with.

However, once every 30 years or so, Risshun and Chinese New Year coincide.

That day is called “Sakudan Risshun,” which is considered a very auspicious day.

New Year is also called “New Year” in Chinese, and the Chinese New Year is both a lunar New Year and a spring event.

Customs of exorcism also found in Chinese New Year

 

The Chinese New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm in China, and the custom of celebrating it is also meant to ward off evil spirits and evil luck.

In China, the year-end and New Year period is called “Guo Nian” (過年).

This is derived from a Chinese legend that a monster called Nian (year) appears at the end of the year and attacks and eats people.

This is why doing through the year = overage.

During the New Year’s holiday, when the new year appears, people try to drive it away with red decorations and loud firecrackers (or fireworks), which are believed to be detested by the new year.

The custom of ridding oneself of monsters = bad luck before welcoming the new year is similar to that of Tsuina or Setsubun no Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony).

Rules of Setsubun in Japan

Next, let us explain the rules related to Setsubun, including the surprisingly little-known “proper way to throw beans.

sowing beans (or pulses, etc.)

Bean-throwing to ward off bad luck is practiced only in Japan on Setsubun.

Although the method varies from region to region, the orthodox method is as follows.

1. Prepare “fukumame” beans

Beans for bean-throwing should be roasted.

This is because sprouted soybeans are considered to be ineffective in warding off bad luck and bad luck.

It is believed that roasted soybeans become “fukumame” (lucky beans), which have the power to ward off evil spirits, when they are placed in a masu or sanpo (three treasures) offering stand and enshrined at a Shinto altar.

2. Sow beans with the whole family on Setsubun night.

Bean-throwing should be done by the whole family on the night of Setsubun.

All the doors and windows are opened, and the family head throws beans to the sound of “Oni wa soto! the patriarch of the family throws beans.

After sowing the seeds, immediately close the front door and windows to prevent ogres from entering.

Incidentally, ogres are said to arrive between midnight and dawn of Setsubun, the time of the Ox and Tiger (2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. in the modern day).

However, since it is not practical to hold the bean-throwing ceremony at this time of the day, it is common today to hold the bean-throwing ceremony at night when the family is together.

3. Sow beans inside the house

Next, with a shout of “Fukuro wa uchi! and then the beans are thrown inside the house as well.

The purpose of this is to invite the god of good fortune into the house.

In some regions, beans may be sown in each room.

Considering hygiene and cleanup, more and more families are throwing individually packaged refried beans or throwing balls made of rolled paper to imitate beans.

4. Eat “fuku-mame” (lucky beans)

After the bean-throwing ceremony is over, eat the lucky beans to reap the benefits of the beans.

The number of “fukumame” (lucky beans) eaten is the number of years old, or “the number of years old + 1” for good health in the new year.

In the past, the counting system (counting from birth as one year of age) was the norm, but today, people are often counted at their normal age.

Since refried beans are low in water content and easily choke, elderly people, small children, and people overseas who are not accustomed to eating refried beans should take extra care by taking water with them.

Ehomaki (sushi roll eaten during setsubun)

Ebomaki is a thick sushi roll that is believed to “make wishes come true” if eaten in accordance with the rules.

Originally eaten only in the Kansai region, it is believed to have spread throughout Japan in the 1980s and 1990s.

There are various theories about the origin of ehomaki, but some say that the ancient Chinese custom was introduced, while others say that merchants ate it around the Edo period to wish for prosperous business.

The following is how to eat ehomaki.

• Eat one per person, uncut.
• eat in the direction of the gods
• While eating, think about your wishes and don’t speak.

The direction of blessings varies each year depending on the zodiac sign of the year.

The rule of not cutting is based on the wish “not to break the bond” and the rule of not talking while eating is based on the idea that “if you talk, good fortune will escape”.

However, some people may not be able to eat it all, and in recent years, more and more people are substituting smaller, shorter ehomaki rolls or roll cakes that resemble ehomaki.

sardine and holly

In Japan, it has long been believed that demons do not like sardines and holly.

There are various theories as to its origin, but it has been believed that sardines produce a large amount of smoke when roasted, and holly has prickly leaves, which are believed to ward off evil spirits.

For this reason, it is believed that if sardines and holly are displayed at the entrance, ogres will not come near.

This is also a unique custom only in Japan.

Sardines and holly are sold at supermarkets and other stores on Setsubun, but many households omit them today because they are difficult to dispose of.

Events to celebrate “Spring” in other countries

In addition to Risshun and Setsubun, there are many events abroad that celebrate the coming of spring.

Here is an example.

Chinese New Year” in Greater China

One of the most famous celebrations of spring overseas is the Chinese New Year in the Greater China region.

Originally, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on the lunar calendar, but from late January to late February, when the Chinese New Year is celebrated, one can gradually begin to feel the spring sunshine.

The New Year’s greeting in Chinese is “喜迎新春,” which is also known as the celebration of the coming of spring.

You may have seen dragon dances, lion dances, firecrackers and fireworks that move as if they were alive on TV or social networking sites.

Chinese New Year is designated as a national holiday in Greater China, and depending on the country, businesses and schools are closed for about a week, including the day of Chinese New Year.

During this period, it is common to return to one’s parents’ home or spend time with relatives and close friends.

In recent years, many people also enjoy traveling abroad.

The Chinese New Year is becoming a New Year’s tradition in Japan, with many tourists from Greater China visiting the country.

Chinese New Year outside of China

The same Spring Festival (= Chinese New Year) is called differently outside of China and Taiwan as follows.

• Vietnam → Tet
• Korea → Solral
• Indonesia → Imrek
• Mongolia → Tsagansar
• Singapore-Malaysia → Chinese New Year

Although they are called differently, they are all considered important national holidays.

Note that because Mongolia uses a calendar of Indian origin, the Chinese New Year may be different from that of Greater China.

In addition, Hong Kong, being an international business city, has a shorter Chinese New Year vacation than other countries in Greater China.

Chinese New Year in Chinatown

Chinatowns in various countries also celebrate the Chinese New Year with great enthusiasm.

For example, Chinatowns in the U.S. are famous for their annual parades and performances that overwhelm people.

All-you-can-eat xiaolongbao (small baskets) for a golden opportunity and watching the dragon boat races are also popular.

In Canada’s Chinatowns, festivals are held during the Chinese New Year season, featuring dance performances and Asian food stalls.

Also in Japan, in some parts of Okinawa, where Ryukyuan culture remains strong, the custom of celebrating the Chinese New Year still remains.

Groundhog Day” in the U.S. and Canada

An unusual American event is Groundhog Day, which marks the coming of spring.

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are a species of marmot classified in the squirrel family.

In some parts of the United States and Canada, on February 2, which is Groundhog Day, people use groundhogs that have awakened from hibernation to divine the arrival of spring.

It is believed to have its origins in divination using hedgehogs and badgers by German immigrants, and when they came to the United States and Canada, the hedgehogs (or badgers) were changed to groundhogs.

What started out as a small festival enjoyed in a few areas has grown into a major event that is held in various locations and attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country, depending on the location.

In recent years, a film and musical based on Groundhog Day have been produced.

Chandeleur” in France

The French “Chandeleur,” known as the Candle Festival in Japan, is held every year on February 2.

This is a Christian feast day that originated 40 days after Jesus Christ was born, when he first visited the church with the Virgin Mary and received her blessing.

Chandeleur means “candle” in French.

It is said that the Roman tradition of walking through the streets with candles and torches to worship the sheep god was taken over as a Christian event and took its present form.

On Chandeleur Day, the French eat crepes and enjoy a sparkling apple wine called cidre.

February is the time of year when it starts to get a little warmer during the daytime in France.

Although the origins of chandreur are Christian in origin, it is also enjoyed as an event that marks the coming of spring.

India’s “Holi Festival

The Holi Festival, held annually in North India on the full moon day of March, is a Hindu spring festival to pray for a good harvest.

It is also known as the most colorful festival in the world, as colored water and colored powder called “Gulal” are thrown around the town for the celebration.

The colored water and colored powder have a meaning as an exorcism to drive away the demon vysya-cha that intrudes into people’s homes. Red represents blood, green represents fields, and yellow represents excrement.

The festival is very popular as a rude festival, as alcohol, which is prohibited in Hinduism, is banned before and after the festival, and people can powder each other without regard to caste.

In some places, buckets of colored water and water balloons are even thrown into trains and cars, which is an extreme aspect of the festival.

Hungarian “Bsho Jarász.”

References: Mohácsi busójárás

Every year in February, a strange festival called “Bouchó Járász” takes place in Mohács, a small town in southern Hungary.

The Bhushoyarash, in which “bhushos” wearing traditional carved wooden masks and sheep’s wool parade through the city, is believed to have started with the purpose of driving out enemies or winter and calamities.

Many people associate the frightening ogre-like masks with horns with the Japanese namahage.

The bushaws have a wooden musical instrument called a kelepulu.

We used this kereploo to make loud rattles and noises to intimidate the enemy.

As the sun begins to set, the bushos who have been parading through the streets gather in a square in the center of town and set fire to a pile of tree branches gathered there.

The bushos dance around the blazing fire and bid farewell to the long winter.

Celebrate the coming of spring!

The arrival of spring after a harsh winter has long been celebrated in many countries and in many ways.

For Japan, which has long been an agrarian nation, spring is also a very important season, and it is still deeply rooted in people’s lives.

This season and traditional event is celebrated in many countries, and we hope to continue to pass it on with great care.