Port Wellness Acupuncture

  • Welcome
  • Meet Kathleen
  • Medicine
    • About The Medicine
    • FAQs
    • Glossary of Acupuncture
  • Treatments
    • Does acupuncture hurt?
    • Your First Treatment
    • Introducing Classical Five Element Acupuncture!
    • Herbal Medicine
    • Cupping
    • Essential Oils
    • Micro-System Treatments
    • Moxibustion
    • Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture
  • Testimonials
  • Articles
  • Reflections
  • Contact
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Shop
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Out with Demons! In with Happiness! Today is Setsubun!

February 1, 2021 By Kathleen Port, L.Ac.

Out with Demons! In with Happiness! Today is Setsubun!

two children throwing beans at ogres for Japanese Bean Tossing Day
Children throw beans at Ogres and Demons. Winter is ending and we welcome the coming Spring.

Throw beans at the Demon, banishing him outside! Welcome happiness in for the coming year!  Oni Wa Soto! Fuku Wa Ichi!

Japanese Bean Tossing Day is typically celebrated between Feb 2 – 4 (depending on the lunar calendar) and heralds the coming of Spring.   It typically falls on Feb 3rd, but in 2021, it is observed today, Feb 2nd.   This is the first time it’s fallen on Feb 2nd since 1897, so the change of date is throwing off some folks (me included; I was planning this post for Wednesday!). Someone is designated as the red-skinned, yellow-horned Demon, wearing a mask or costume, and the family -or crowd- throws beans at the Demon.

Tradition has it that one is supposed to throw the number of beans that correspond with your age, plus one for good luck. A good luck sushi roll with the seven auspicious ingredients should be eaten in silence facing the lucky direction, which this year is South/Southwest.  By the way, the sushi roll should not be cut, as you don’t want to “cut” your good fortune.

If you have any Demons you’d like to expel, then today’s the day! Exclaim with gusto! Don’t have a Demon in the house? Use your powers of visualization! Don’t have beans to toss? Substitute water or burn some sage or simply use a commanding wave of your hands.  Stand at your door and begin your exhortations!

I’m tempted to look at the pandemic as the Demon, and the vaccines and health care workers as the metaphorical beans we toss to vanquish it.

I have not been successful at enrolling others to join me in this festive activity, so I go about muttering the traditional exhortation or using it as a salutation or closing in correspondence on the designated day.   If something annoying comes my way today, I will command it to leave!

Although it seems a little early to welcome spring, remember that the seeds of Spring exist in Winter. Winter holds and nurtures those seeds until the time is right and the Yang energy of Spring insists on bring new life forth.

In with happiness, welcoming the coming spring!

Illustration by Nippon.com

Filed Under: Chinese Astrology, Covid-19, emotions, Feng Shui, mental well-being, mind, seasonal therapy, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2021, Covid-19, Japan, Japanese festival, lunar new year, spring, tradition, traditional foods, vaccines

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Comments

  1. Samantha says

    February 2, 2021 at 9:09 am

    Thank you for the wonderful information. My husband is of Japanese descent but was born here in the US. He doesn’t really follow any traditional customs from that culture. I am not sure if his parents did this or not, but I will ask. Very interesting read. Thanks again for sharing.

    • Kathleen Port, L.Ac. says

      February 5, 2021 at 9:08 am

      Some people feel closer to their cultural heritage than others depending on circumstances, so that’s understandable.

  2. Jeanine Byers says

    February 2, 2021 at 9:55 am

    Can’t say that one really appeals to me! But reframing it to be about throwing healing or positive energy at whatever no longer serves me or all of us as a community, would work for me.

    • Kathleen Port, L.Ac. says

      February 5, 2021 at 9:09 am

      Yes! If it inspires a re-frame and helps us move forward in a new and creative way, then yes!

  3. Martha says

    February 2, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    I’m ready to welcome spring and I’ve also thrown seeds (my Covid vaccine) at the Demon (Covid)!

    • Kathleen Port, L.Ac. says

      February 5, 2021 at 9:09 am

      Yes and yes! Stay healthy!

Get your Glow On

Sign up for your free copy of “Get your Glow On: 48 Ways To Look Your Best from the Inside Out”.

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Kathleen R Port, L.Ac., 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90025, http://www.portwellnessacupuncture.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

SHOWCASE

  • Spring, flowers, a poem and songs to lift your spirits April 13, 2021
  • How often should you get acupuncture? April 12, 2021
  • Cupping + Acupuncture for the Change of Seasons March 18, 2021
  • Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Ox Year 2021! February 11, 2021
  • Jennifer Lopez’s wardrobe choice for her Inauguration performance reflected some the most auspicious colors for 2021! February 5, 2021
  • Lunar New Year: Don’t take a shower! Wear red! And one more thing… February 3, 2021
  • I choose to be vaccinated against Covid-19 February 1, 2021
  • Out with Demons! In with Happiness! Today is Setsubun! February 1, 2021
  • How comfortable are your patients in your treatment room? December 28, 2020
  • Your Winter Water Mind December 21, 2020

Resources

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful in your journey for all aspects of your health. Not … Read More...

Topics

Acupuncture Chinese Astrology Classical Five Element Acupuncture Covid-19 emotions Essential Oils exercise Feng Shui heat therapy Herbal Medicine Home Page 2/3 Insurance mental health mental well-being mind moxabustion Nutrition public safety Qi Gong recipe Resources seasonal therapy Self-care skin care Slider supplements Uncategorized

NCCAOM Diplomate

Top 10 Acupuncturists in Los Angeles, CA
Voted one of the best Los Angeles practices in Acupuncture for 2015
Verified by Opencare.com

Kathleen R. Port, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac & CH

2001 S. Barrington Ave., Ste 219
Los Angeles, CA 90025
voice 310-617-4194

Kathleen Port explains acupuncture and herbal medicine, what it's like to have a treatment, and how it can keep you healthy.

Search

Recent Posts

  • Spring, flowers, a poem and songs to lift your spirits
  • How often should you get acupuncture?
  • Cupping + Acupuncture for the Change of Seasons
  • Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Ox Year 2021!
  • Jennifer Lopez’s wardrobe choice for her Inauguration performance reflected some the most auspicious colors for 2021!

Get your Glow On

Sign up for your free copy of “Get your Glow On: 48 Ways To Look Your Best from the Inside Out”.

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Kathleen R Port, L.Ac., 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90025, http://www.portwellnessacupuncture.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Copyright © 2023 · PORT WELLNESS ACUPUNCTURE · PRIVACY POLICY · DISCLAIMER · TERMS & CONDITIONS