Setsubun is a 'goodby winter - welcome spring' festival. Even though the weather may not look like spring, it is the start of the spring season. It is time to purify oneself to get ready for all things new. At the shrines, little packets of soybeans are sold, which are symbolic of this getting rid of the old and embracing the new. Depending on how far north or south in the country, the first spring blossoms (from the plum trees) will appear in just a few weeks.

Oni symbolizes the devil or bad habits. During Setsubun soybeans are thrown into the corners of the rooms to 'chase Oni away.' Sometimes father will even dress up wearing an Oni mask. Once Oni has been chased away, one bean is eaten for each year of life plus one more for good luck.