The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JAPANESE CUSTOM

ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, ONE SCATTERS ROUND BEANS (SYMBOLIC OF
THE STONE OF HEALTH) THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE. THE BEANS ARE
USED TO PELT AND CHASE AWAY THE DEMONS OF EVIL. AT THE
SAME TIME ONE SINGS: "GOOD LUCK WITHIN! EVIL, GO OUT!
OUT!"

Submitter comment: WHEN IN JAPAN, INFORMANT USED TO JOIN HER FAMILY IN THE
ABOVE CUSTOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Date learned: 08-01-1964