In Japan, we celebrate "Setsubun" in every Feburary 3rd .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsubun
Setasubun means seasonal division and from past it was believed that during the change of season there are evil spirits appears. To drive out these spirits there are many festivals and rituals held in all over Japan.
Most popular ritual is called Mamemaki, where throw roasted Soy Beans and call out "Oni ha Soto, Fuku ha Uchi!!" (Demons out! Luck in!).
It was believed that Japanise demons (Oni) brings evil sprits.
So, there are also rituals that literally exsorcise Oni.
It's called Tsuinashiki and it was believed it started from Yoshida shrine in Kyoto.
The festival in Yoshida shrine are held during 2nd to 4th of Feburary, and in 2nd Feb night this ritual are held.
We found good video describing this ritual.
http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/movie/player.php?id=20060202setsubun
There are 3 Oni (people dressed up as) and one Oni looks like person called "Housoushi", but he is not evil he is the man with justice and exterminates Oni.
At the end the arrow shot from oracle purifies the field to finish the ritual.
Unfortunatelly, we couldn't take good picture of it.
There are pictures of how the festival looks like tho!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsubun
Setasubun means seasonal division and from past it was believed that during the change of season there are evil spirits appears. To drive out these spirits there are many festivals and rituals held in all over Japan.
Most popular ritual is called Mamemaki, where throw roasted Soy Beans and call out "Oni ha Soto, Fuku ha Uchi!!" (Demons out! Luck in!).
It was believed that Japanise demons (Oni) brings evil sprits.
So, there are also rituals that literally exsorcise Oni.
It's called Tsuinashiki and it was believed it started from Yoshida shrine in Kyoto.
The festival in Yoshida shrine are held during 2nd to 4th of Feburary, and in 2nd Feb night this ritual are held.
We found good video describing this ritual.
http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/movie/player.php?id=20060202setsubun
There are 3 Oni (people dressed up as) and one Oni looks like person called "Housoushi", but he is not evil he is the man with justice and exterminates Oni.
At the end the arrow shot from oracle purifies the field to finish the ritual.
Unfortunatelly, we couldn't take good picture of it.
There are pictures of how the festival looks like tho!
