[:it]

photo credits: pinterest.it

La cultura tradizionale giapponese è sempre stata caratterizzata da una costante ed amorevole osservazione del mondo naturale, delle sue manifestazioni e dei suoi cicli stagionali. Non deve quindi meravigliare l’attenzione riservata alla primavera, lo speciale momento in cui la natura risveglia in tutte le sue creature la necessità del rinnovamento.

Questa stagione è celebrata in Giappone con l’haru matsuri (春祭, festival di primavera), un insieme di eventi il cui inizio è segnato dalla ricorrenza di Setsubun (節分). Nel tradizionale calendario lunisolare giapponese, infatti, ogni cambio di stagione è introdotto da un giorno chiamato, appunto, setsubun (letteralmente “divisione delle stagioni”). Il setsubun di primavera, che cade il 3 febbraio, rappresenta l’ultimo giorno dell’inverno e il giorno che precede l’inizio della nuova stagione. Segna quindi il passaggio dal “Taikan” (大寒, grande freddo) al “Risshun” (立春, primo giorno di primavera) ed è perciò il momento più propizio per una speciale “pulizia” dai fardelli invernali, che allontanerà gli spiriti maligni e favorirà l’ingresso della nuova energia vivificante. E’ questo il senso della tradizionale “cacciata dei demoni” che ha luogo in questo giorno attraverso diversi riti ed usanze.

photo credits: pinimg.com

Antichi rituali e divertimento per famiglie

Il rituale più famoso è senza dubbio il mamemaki (豆撒き), ovvero il lancio dei fagioli di soia. In ambito domestico esso è affidato al Toshi Otoko (年男, uomo dell’anno), cioè l’uomo della famiglia del segno zodiacale dell’anno lunare entrante o in sua assenza il più anziano di casa; costui ha il compito di scacciare gli spiriti nocivi e le negatività dalla casa e dal nuovo periodo dell’anno che sta per iniziare lanciando in giro irimame (炒り豆, fagioli di soia tostati) al grido di “Oni wa soto! fuku wa uchi! (鬼は外! 福は内, “Fuori i demoni! Dentro la fortuna!”). In alternativa si possono scagliare gli irimame contro un altro membro della famiglia che interpreta la parte del demone indossando una maschera da oni (orchi del folcklore giapponese). Successivamente ogni componente della famiglia deve raccogliere e mangiare un numero di fagioli corrispondente alla propria età più uno per assicurarsi un anno di successi e buona salute (nella tradizione popolare, infatti, i demoni sono ritenuti portatori di catastrofi naturali e malattie). Scacciato l’oni, è però necessario tenere gli spiriti maligni lontani dalla casa. Per questo è possibile vedere in questo periodo dell’anno dei particolarissimi amuleti, gli Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯), esposti all’ingresso delle abitazioni. Si tratta di rami di agrifoglio che presentano la testa di una sardina essiccata infilzata sull’estremità, talvolta completati da pezzi di aglio o cipolla, che hanno appunto lo scopo di tenere lontani i demoni, timorosi delle spine e dell’ odore pungente emanato da questi talismani.

Si tratta in entrambi i casi di tradizioni che affondano le proprie radici nell’antichità. Al giorno d’oggi è possibile acquistare “set da Setsubun” – composti da maschere da oni e fagioli tostati – in qualsiasi conbini, ma in realtà l’usanza del mamemaki avrebbe avuto origine nel periodo Muromachi (1392-1573) e sembra essere ispirata ad un’antichissima leggenda, la cui trama viene tuttora rappresentata in forma di pantomima nel tempio di Mibu-dera a Kyoto. Qui il kyogen (antica forma teatrale giapponese) intitolato “Setsubun” viene replicato più volte nel corso della giornata e si dice che basti assistere ad esso per essere purificati da ogni spirito negativo o malvagio. La sua trama ricalca il racconto folkloristico che narra di un orco il quale, sotto sembianze umane, si reca un giorno a far visita ad una vedova. Grazie al suo martello magico, l’orco confeziona un bellissimo kimono, che attira l’attenzione della vedova. Desiderosa di impossessarsi non solo del kimono ma anche del martello magico, essa decide di farlo ubriacare per poterglieli rubare entrambi. L’orco, però, accortosi del furto, rivela la propria natura demoniaca ed attacca la donna, che per difendersi gli scaglia contro la prima cosa che trova a portata di mano: un pugno di fagioli di soia. L’oni, ferito ma di nuovo in possesso dei suoi beni, fugge lasciando la vedova sana e salva e forse un po’ più saggia.

photo credits: toyokeizai.net

Saper guardare nella giusta direzione

Un’usanza di origini più recenti, nata ad Osaka ma successivamente diffusasi nel resto del paese, è invece quella legata all’ehōmaki (恵方巻, rotolo della direzione fortunata). In questo caso, per assicurarsi che la buona sorte sia al nostro fianco nell’anno che sta per iniziare, è necessario mangiare uno speciale rotolo di sushi in un’unica soluzione, senza interruzioni ed in silenzio, rivolti nella direzione fortunata dell’anno. L’impresa è meno semplice di quel che può sembrare, considerando che l’ehōmaki è molto più spesso di un comune sushi roll (dovendo contenere sette ingredienti per propiziarsi i sette dei della fortuna) ed è lungo 20 centimetri. Non vale mangiarlo tagliato in pezzi, perché così facendo si taglierebbe anche la fortuna. Per compiere correttamente il rituale è necessario quindi armarsi di concentrazione, determinazione e di una bussola precisa. Per chi fosse interessato a sperimentare questa usanza, gli ingredienti più comuni da procurarsi per la farcitura sono cetriolo, surimi, salmone, tonno, anago (anguilla di mare), tamagoyaki (omelette giapponese), strisce di kanpyo essiccate e condite (zucca giapponese) e funghi shiitake, oltre naturalmente al riso e all’alga nori, mentre la direzione fortunata per il 2019 è Est-NordEst.

photo credits: shinsenhino.com

Templi in festa

Il Setsubun può essere celebrato in un ambiente domestico o comunque in una dimensione privata, con parenti ed amici, ma è anche e soprattutto una ricorrenza da vivere in comunità. Ad esempio nelle scuole vengono spesso organizzati momenti di ricreazione per i bambini, che indossano maschere da oni o si divertono a dare la caccia ad adulti travestiti da demoni, rincorrendoli e scagliando loro fagioli. Ma è in particolare nei templi che è possibile vivere la dimensione collettiva della festa, partecipando agli eventi appositamente realizzati per questa giornata. Primo fra tutti naturalmente il mamemaki, effettuato dai monaci che dall’alto di appositi palchi lanciano fagioli di soia sulla folla radunata per l’evento. In alcuni templi vengono organizzati più turni per questo rituale, riservandone alcuni speciali ai bambini, che oltre ai fagioli ricevono dolci o piccoli doni. Oltre ai monaci sono spesso presenti personaggi celebri, come campioni sportivi, protagonisti del mondo dello spettacolo, attori del teatro kabuki, geisha e maiko, celebrità televisive, che aggiungono una nota di attrattiva glamour ai festeggiamenti tradizionali. Tra questi ultimi vanno ricordati gli spettacoli teatrali, le diverse cerimonie di purificazione o anche le suggestive esibizioni di tiro con l’arco, in cui gli arcieri scagliano le proprie frecce contro bersagli che hanno fattezze di demoni.

Setsubun è insomma la giornata ideale per coloro che desiderano vivere in compagnia un inizio d’anno che aiuti a rinnovare le proprie energie e per le famiglie che hanno l’opportunità di trascorrere insieme un momento di allegria, cosa che ad ogni latitudine resta sempre il miglior talismano contro ogni male.[:en]

photo credits: pinterest.it

Traditional Japanese culture has always been characterized by a constant and loving observation of the natural world, its manifestations and its seasonal cycles. Therefore, the attention given to spring, the special moment when nature awakens in all its creatures the necessity of renewal, must not marvel.

This season is celebrated in Japan with the haru matsuri (春祭, spring festival), a set of events whose beginning is marked by the occurrence of Setsubun (節 分). In the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar, in fact, every change of season is introduced by a day called, indeed, setsubun (literally “division of the seasons”). Spring setsubun, which falls on 3 February, represents the last day of winter and the day before the start of the new season. It marks the transition from “Taikan” (大寒, big cold) to “Risshun” (立春, first day of spring) and is therefore the most favorable moment for a special “cleaning” from winter burdens, which will drive away evil spirits and favor the entrance of the new life-giving energy. This is the meaning of the traditional “demon expulsion” that takes place on this day through different rituals and customs.

photo credits: pinimg.com

Ancient rituals and family fun

The most famous ritual is undoubtedly the mamemaki (豆 撒 き), which is the launch of soy beans. In the domestic sphere it is entrusted to Toshi Otoko (年 男, man of the year), that is the man of the family of the zodiacal sign of the lunar year entering or in his absence the oldest of the house. He has the task of driving out the harmful spirits and negativities from the house and the new year that is about to start by throwing around irimame (炒 り 豆, toasted soy beans) to the cry of “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! (鬼は外! 福は内, “Outside the demons! Inside fortune!”). In alternative, he can hurl the beans at another member of the family who plays the part of the demon wearing a mask of oni (Japanese folklore ogres). Subsequently, each member of the family must collect and eat a number of beans corresponding to their age plus one to ensure a year of success and good health (in the popular tradition, in fact, the demons are considered carriers of natural disasters and diseases).
When the oni is expelled, it is necessary to keep the evil spirits away from the house. For this reason it is possible to see in this period of the year some very special amulets, the Hiiragi Iwashi (柊 鰯), exposed at the entrance of the houses. These are holly branches that have the head of a dried sardine skewered on the end, sometimes complemented by pieces of garlic or onion, which have the purpose of keeping demons away, scared by the thorns and the pungent odor emanating from these talismans.

In both cases it is a tradition that has its roots in antiquity. Nowadays it is possible to buy “Setsubun sets” – made of oni masks and roasted beans – in any combini, but in reality the mamemaki custom would have originated in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) and seems to be inspired to an ancient legend, whose plot is still represented in the form of pantomime in the temple of Mibu-dera in Kyoto. Here the kyogen (ancient Japanese theatrical form) titled “Setsubun” is repeated several times during the day and it is said that it is sufficient to watch it to be purified by any negative or evil spirit. Its plot follows the folk tale that tells of an ogre who, in human form, goes one day to visit a widow. Thanks to its magic hammer, the ogre makes a beautiful kimono, which attracts the widow’s attention. Eager to take possession not only of the kimono but also of the magic hammer, she decides to get him drunk to be able to steal them both. The ogre, however, aware of the theft, reveals his demonic nature and attacks the woman, who defends herself with the first thing that is within reach: a handful of soy beans. The oni, wounded but again in possession of his goods, flees leaving the widow safe and sound and perhaps a little wiser.

photo credits: toyokeizai.net

Knowing how to look in the right direction

A tradition of more recent origins, born in Osaka but later spread to the rest of the country, is instead linked to the ehōmaki (恵 方 巻, scroll of lucky direction). In this case, to ensure that the good luck is on our side in the year that is about to begin, it is necessary to eat a special sushi roll in a single solution, without interruptions and in silence, facing the lucky direction of the year. The act is less simple than it may seem, considering that the ehōmaki is much more often than a common sushi roll (having to contain seven ingredients to propitiate the seven gods of luck) and is 20 centimeters long. It is not worth eating it cut into pieces, because doing so would also cut luck. To perform the ritual correctly, it is therefore necessary to arm yourself with concentration, determination and a precise compass. For those interested in experimenting with this custom, the most common ingredients to obtain for the filling are cucumber, surimi, salmon, tuna, anago (sea eel), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), dried kanpyo strips and seasoned (Japanese pumpkin) and shiitake mushrooms, as well as rice and nori seaweed, while the lucky direction for 2019 is East-North East.

photo credits: shinsenhino.com

Festive temples

The Setsubun can be celebrated in a domestic environment or at least in a private dimension, with relatives and friends, but it is also and above all a recurrence to be lived in community. For example, schools often organize moments of recreation for children, who wear oni masks or have fun chasing adults dressed as demons while hurling beans against them. But it is especially in the temples that it is possible to experience the collective dimension of the party, participating in the events specially created for this day. First of all, of course, the mamemaki, carried out by the monks who throw soy beans from the top of the stages on the crowd gathered for the event. In some temples more shifts are organized for this ritual, reserving some special ones for children, who in addition to the beans receive sweets or small gifts. In addition to the monks, celebrities are often present, such as sports champions, personalities of the entertainment world, actors of the kabuki theater, geisha and maiko, television celebrities, who add a note of attractive glamor to traditional festivities. Among the latter we must remember the theatrical performances, the various purification ceremonies or even the striking archery performances, in which the archers throw their arrows at targets that have demon-like features.

In short, Setsubun is the ideal day for those who wish to live in company a start of the year that helps to renew their energies and for families who have the opportunity to spend a moment of joy together, something that always remains the best talisman against all evil at every latitude.[:ja]

photo credits: pinterest.it

Traditional Japanese culture has always been characterized by a constant and loving observation of the natural world, its manifestations and its seasonal cycles. Therefore, the attention given to spring, the special moment when nature awakens in all its creatures the necessity of renewal, must not marvel.

This season is celebrated in Japan with the haru matsuri (春祭, spring festival), a set of events whose beginning is marked by the occurrence of Setsubun (節 分). In the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar, in fact, every change of season is introduced by a day called, indeed, setsubun (literally “division of the seasons”). Spring setsubun, which falls on 3 February, represents the last day of winter and the day before the start of the new season. It marks the transition from “Taikan” (大寒, big cold) to “Risshun” (立春, first day of spring) and is therefore the most favorable moment for a special “cleaning” from winter burdens, which will drive away evil spirits and favor the entrance of the new life-giving energy. This is the meaning of the traditional “demon expulsion” that takes place on this day through different rituals and customs.

photo credits: pinimg.com

Ancient rituals and family fun

The most famous ritual is undoubtedly the mamemaki (豆 撒 き), which is the launch of soy beans. In the domestic sphere it is entrusted to Toshi Otoko (年 男, man of the year), that is the man of the family of the zodiacal sign of the lunar year entering or in his absence the oldest of the house. He has the task of driving out the harmful spirits and negativities from the house and the new year that is about to start by throwing around irimame (炒 り 豆, toasted soy beans) to the cry of “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! (鬼は外! 福は内, “Outside the demons! Inside fortune!”). In alternative, he can hurl the beans at another member of the family who plays the part of the demon wearing a mask of oni (Japanese folklore ogres). Subsequently, each member of the family must collect and eat a number of beans corresponding to their age plus one to ensure a year of success and good health (in the popular tradition, in fact, the demons are considered carriers of natural disasters and diseases).
When the oni is expelled, it is necessary to keep the evil spirits away from the house. For this reason it is possible to see in this period of the year some very special amulets, the Hiiragi Iwashi (柊 鰯), exposed at the entrance of the houses. These are holly branches that have the head of a dried sardine skewered on the end, sometimes complemented by pieces of garlic or onion, which have the purpose of keeping demons away, scared by the thorns and the pungent odor emanating from these talismans.

In both cases it is a tradition that has its roots in antiquity. Nowadays it is possible to buy “Setsubun sets” – made of oni masks and roasted beans – in any combini, but in reality the mamemaki custom would have originated in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) and seems to be inspired to an ancient legend, whose plot is still represented in the form of pantomime in the temple of Mibu-dera in Kyoto. Here the kyogen (ancient Japanese theatrical form) titled “Setsubun” is repeated several times during the day and it is said that it is sufficient to watch it to be purified by any negative or evil spirit. Its plot follows the folk tale that tells of an ogre who, in human form, goes one day to visit a widow. Thanks to its magic hammer, the ogre makes a beautiful kimono, which attracts the widow’s attention. Eager to take possession not only of the kimono but also of the magic hammer, she decides to get him drunk to be able to steal them both. The ogre, however, aware of the theft, reveals his demonic nature and attacks the woman, who defends herself with the first thing that is within reach: a handful of soy beans. The oni, wounded but again in possession of his goods, flees leaving the widow safe and sound and perhaps a little wiser.

photo credits: toyokeizai.net

Knowing how to look in the right direction

A tradition of more recent origins, born in Osaka but later spread to the rest of the country, is instead linked to the ehōmaki (恵 方 巻, scroll of lucky direction). In this case, to ensure that the good luck is on our side in the year that is about to begin, it is necessary to eat a special sushi roll in a single solution, without interruptions and in silence, facing the lucky direction of the year. The act is less simple than it may seem, considering that the ehōmaki is much more often than a common sushi roll (having to contain seven ingredients to propitiate the seven gods of luck) and is 20 centimeters long. It is not worth eating it cut into pieces, because doing so would also cut luck. To perform the ritual correctly, it is therefore necessary to arm yourself with concentration, determination and a precise compass. For those interested in experimenting with this custom, the most common ingredients to obtain for the filling are cucumber, surimi, salmon, tuna, anago (sea eel), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), dried kanpyo strips and seasoned (Japanese pumpkin) and shiitake mushrooms, as well as rice and nori seaweed, while the lucky direction for 2019 is East-North East.

photo credits: shinsenhino.com

Festive temples

The Setsubun can be celebrated in a domestic environment or at least in a private dimension, with relatives and friends, but it is also and above all a recurrence to be lived in community. For example, schools often organize moments of recreation for children, who wear oni masks or have fun chasing adults dressed as demons while hurling beans against them. But it is especially in the temples that it is possible to experience the collective dimension of the party, participating in the events specially created for this day. First of all, of course, the mamemaki, carried out by the monks who throw soy beans from the top of the stages on the crowd gathered for the event. In some temples more shifts are organized for this ritual, reserving some special ones for children, who in addition to the beans receive sweets or small gifts. In addition to the monks, celebrities are often present, such as sports champions, personalities of the entertainment world, actors of the kabuki theater, geisha and maiko, television celebrities, who add a note of attractive glamor to traditional festivities. Among the latter we must remember the theatrical performances, the various purification ceremonies or even the striking archery performances, in which the archers throw their arrows at targets that have demon-like features.

In short, Setsubun is the ideal day for those who wish to live in company a start of the year that helps to renew their energies and for families who have the opportunity to spend a moment of joy together, something that always remains the best talisman against all evil at every latitude.[:]