Setsubun Ceremony and Mamemaki at Ohfuna Kannon Temple
Setsubun (February 3 or 4) is on the day before the beginning of spring, according to the lunar calendar. In the evening of this day, people open the doors of their houses and drive the demons (i.e. bad luck) out of their homes by throwing beans and shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Happiness in!”). You can find the beans for this tradition at any supermarket.
The traditional event is also held at many temples and shrines. One of the temples is Oofuna Kannon in Kamakura. Setsubun ceremony begins at 1pm and Mamemaki, bean-throwing ceremony, is from 2pm on Feb. 1. The gate will be open at noon. Only 1,000 people are allowed to go into the temple, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Yokozuna Hakuhoo, some of the other sumo wrestlers, Jaguar Yokota (woman’s pro wrestler) and others will be there to throw beans. Phone: 0467-43-1561
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2007/02/06/setsubun-devils-driven-out-in-japanese-spring-ritual/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2285.html
