The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SETSUBUR IS THE CEREMONY PERFORMED ON THE EVE OF THE
SPRINGTIDE.
SETSUBUR WAS BORN FROM THE OLD BELIEF THAT THE GODS VISIT
EVERY HOUSE AND BRING IT GOOD LUCK. ON THE NIGHT OF
SETSUBUR THE JAPANESE FAMILY THROWS PARCHED BEANS BOTH
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOUSE, CRYING "FUKU WA UCKI! ONI
WA SOK!" WHICH MEANS, "IN WITH LUCK, OUT WITH DEVILS."
IT IS SAID IN THIS WAY SICKNESS AND EVIL CAN BE DRIVEN
OUT AND HAPPINESS ENJOYED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; JAPAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-11-1969