A holiday which markes the end of winter according to the Japanese lunar calendar, Setsubun festivities invite good fortune for the new year. Setsubun (節分) literally translates to "seasonal division."
The most popular part of Setsubun is mamemaki, or scattering of beans. Roasted soybeans are thrown out the door while chanting: Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! Demons out! Good luck in! In some regions, the male head of the household will wear a demon mask for children to chase out. It is also popular to eat the number of soybeans correspondent to your age, plus an extra for luck in the new year.
These rituals started in the Muromachi period and were first only practiced by those of upper echelons of society, the aristocracy and samurai class. During the Edo period, Setsubun practices became more widespread, and mamemaki was even practiced at shrines and temples. Today, many shrines and temples still hold festivals for Setsubun.
Another common practice in the Kansai region is to eat ehomaki, or uncut sushi roll. One should do this in silence, while facing in the prosperous direction (this varies by year), to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.