Setubun is one of the famous festivals in Japan. It takes place on 3 February. Setubun means 'the border of the seasons (Winter and Spring). And it is said also to be a girl's festival and suitable for driving out evil, and wishing for good fortune in the coming Spring.
On the evening of Setubun, Oni-uchi (devil-extermination) and Mame-maki (bean-scattering) ceremonies are held. People throw soybeans towards demons in the house saying "Oni wa soto. Huku wa uchi! (Out with the devil! In with good fortune!)" in order to drive out any bad spirits. One person, usually the father, disguises himself as a demon in the house. After this ceremony, you eat the same numbers of soybeans as your age. So it means if you are 90, you have to eat 90 soybeans. And if you eat one more soybeans than your age, it would be good for your health for this year.
Another custom of Setubun is eating an uncut sushi roll facing towards this year's 'lucky direction'. This direction depends on the zodiac sign of the year. For example, south-south-east or east-north-east. The important thing is you can't speak until you finish eating them. You eat them wishing for your luck.
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