Good Luck Charms of Edo

“Driving Out Bad Luck”

In Japan, February 3^rd is celebrated as Setsubun, the last day of winter according to the old lunar calendar. Since demons appear at the turn of the season, a ritual is held to drive away the demons. There are several activities to drive away evil spirts linked to Setsubun, in the past including the hanging of sardine heads skewered with a spring of holly in doorways and the throwing of dried beans. In Asakus, there is no demon in front of Kannon, you are supposed to shout ‘Fuku wa uchi’(Happiness in) with throwing the beans.