「福は内、鬼は外」
“Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto” is a traditional Japanese phrase used during Setsubun, a festival held on February 3rd or 4th, marking the end of winter according to the calendar.
“Fuku wa uchi” means “Fortune in!” People chant this while throwing roasted soybeans inside their homes to invite good fortune.
“Oni wa soto” means “Demons out!” People throw beans outside to drive away evil spirits or bad luck.
This custom, called “mamemaki” ( bean-throwing), is believed to purify the home and bring prosperity for the coming year. Some families also eat the same number of beans as their age to pray for good health.
