Setsubun Traditions and Contemporary Twists: Sake, Silence, and Savoring New Beginnings

Setsubun: Welcoming Spring with Traditional Festivities

节分:用传统节日来迎接春天

Setsubun, meaning "seasonal division," marks the official start of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. While not a national holiday, it is widely celebrated across Japan and holds special significance, especially for children. This year, Setsubun falls on Saturday, February 3rd, and communities will come together at shrines and temples for the annual festivities.

节分的意思是“季节的划分”，根据日本农历，这标志着春天的正式开始。虽然这不是一个全国性的节日，但它在日本各地得到了广泛庆祝，尤其是对孩子们来说具有特殊的意义。今年的节分节是2月3日(星期六)，社区居民将聚集在神社和寺庙庆祝一年一度的节日。

Bean-Throwing Ritual: Warding Off Evil Spirits

撒豆驱邪

A prominent Setsubun tradition involves the throwing of roasted beans around homes, temples, and shrines. Accompanied by the chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Devils out, happiness in"), this ritual symbolically purifies spaces, driving away evil spirits that might bring misfortune and bad health. Following this purification, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one's life, as a gesture of inviting luck and prosperity.

节分一个重要的传统就是在家里、寺庙和神社周围撒炒豆。边撒边喊着“魔鬼出去，幸福进来”，这种仪式象征性地净化了空间，赶走了可能带来不幸和不健康的恶灵。在这种净化之后，习惯上吃炒豆，每一年一颗，作为一种邀请好运和繁荣的姿态。

Ehomaki Tradition in Kansai: Silent Wishes Over Sushi Rolls

关西地区的恵方巻传统:对寿司卷的默默祝福

In the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, Setsubun is observed by consuming uncut makizushi known as ehomaki. This "lucky direction roll" is eaten in silence while facing the year's lucky compass direction, determined by the zodiac symbol. Traditionally, people eat the entire sushi roll uncut, in one continuous go, contemplating their wishes and finding a moment of tranquility amid the modern chaos.

在关西地区，特别是大阪，他们吃惠方卷这种未切割的寿司来庆祝节分。这种“幸运方向卷”是面对着由黄道十二宫标志确定的一年的幸运罗盘方向而安静地吃的。传统上，人们会一口气吃完整卷不切的寿司，思考自己的愿望，在的杂乱的现代生活中寻找片刻安宁。

Ehonomi: A Contemporary Setsubun Celebration for Adults

恵方巻：当代大人们的节气庆典

A modern twist to Setsubun celebrations is "ehonomi" or "lucky direction drinking." Departing from the tradition of eating ehomaki, adults are opting to enjoy sake while facing the lucky direction. This emerging practice is seen as a way to invite good luck for the upcoming season and fulfill personal wishes. This year, the fortunate direction is east-northeast.

节分庆祝活动的一个现代版本是“幸运酒”或“幸运方向酒”。与传统的吃法不同，大人们选择面朝幸运的方向享用清酒。这种新兴的做法被视为一种为即将到来的季节带来好运和实现个人愿望的方式。今年幸运的方向是东北偏东。

Sake's Role in Setsubun: Toasting to New Beginnings

清酒在节分中的作用:为新的开始干杯

Setsubun coincides with the release of new sake brews, making it a perfect time for a unique celebration. Tochigi Prefecture has actively promoted ehonomi since 2016, collaborating with local breweries and businesses to boost sake consumption in the region. Embracing ehonomi is simple – just prepare your favorite sake, turn towards the lucky direction, and sip in silence while contemplating your wishes.

节分时节恰逢新清酒的发布，这是一个举行独特的庆祝活动的完美时机。自2016年以来，栃木县积极推广惠方酒，与当地酿酒厂和企业合作，促进该地区的清酒消费。拥抱惠方酒其实很简单——只需要准备好你最喜欢的清酒，转向幸运的方向，静静地啜饮的同时，思考你的愿望哟。

Cup Sake for Convenience: Miyozakura Junmai Panda Cup

方便的口杯酒：宫樱纯米熊猫杯

For those looking for a convenient yet delightful option, Cup Sake is ideal for Setsubun celebrations. The Miyozakura Junmai Panda Cup, adorned with a charming panda design, was originally created to celebrate pandas arriving at the Tokyo Ueno Zoo. This junmai sake is light, dry, and refreshing, suitable for a quick sip or warming for a deeper rice flavor. The heat-resistant cup allows for enjoyment at various temperatures, making it a versatile choice for this special occasion.

对于那些寻找一个方便而愉快的选择，口杯清酒是节分庆祝活动理想的清酒了。宫樱纯米熊猫杯，装饰着迷人的熊猫图案，最初是为了庆祝大熊猫抵达东京上野动物园而设计的。这款纯米清酒清淡、干爽、清爽，适合快速啜饮或加热，可以体验得更深的米香。耐热杯允许享受在不同的温度，为这个特殊的场合，它也成为一个多功能的选择哟。