Friday, February 3, 2012

Oni wa soto, Fukuwa uchi and Square Dog Friday

February 3rd is Setsubun in Japan.
Setsbun is bean throwing ceremony.
The most common way to celebrate Setsbun is each home does "mamemaki". They throw roasted soybeans called "Fuku-mame at an Oni and chant
"Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi" Demons out-Good Luck in.

In the Helan Era people though illness, hunger or disasters were because of demons.
So by doing the Setsubun ceremony you can bring good luck to the family.
The Oni (demon) lives in the North East side of the house which is the ox and tiger direction. That is why the image of the Oni, has the horns of a ox and the fangs of a tiger.
The oldest male of the home wears an Oni Mask outside and you throw the soybeans at him while chanting "Oni wa soto Fuku wa uchi" then slam the door close, keeping bad luck out and good luck in.
After you finish Mamemaki, you eat as many roasted soybeans as your age for more good luck.

The Square Ones do not like soybeans, but they do like Pancakes.

they are waiting and hoping for a pancake...

I wanted to try and get a good photo of The Square Ones, but Watson only has eyes for the pancakes. He is crazy for any carbs but pancakes are his most favorite ever.

you know he is saying... alright ! take the photo!
now can we have a pancake !


after Hamish eats Breakfast and Dinner this is what comes next
followed by the most yummy chicken strip....

yesh! chicken gud! lurvechichenchickenchickenchickennnnnn!
yert !

soybean. . .parsnip
music. . . Demon God, OST Princess Mononake.
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14 comments:

  1. Rituals and dogs always scare the demons away.

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  2. Hello Gayle:
    It is fascinating learning about all these cultural rituals with you. We hope that you did indeed throw the beans, although we feel sorry for the target of the beans!

    The dogs look in top form. We have never heard of a canine pancake lover before now!

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    1. You don't always have to have someone to throw the beans at, last year I had one one and not even mask to throw at .... just threw the beans, yelled and slammed the door.

      I think dogs just like what they like no matter what.
      All of my other dogs loved popcorn but not these two. But several, these two also, love to chew ice.

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  3. An unusual ritual!

    And who can blame them for loving pancakes?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, what is not to love. Pancakes are wonderful !

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  4. Those boys are spoilt rotten:)
    Now I wonder if I can persuade MTL to go out in the freezing cold that I might throw beans at him?

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    Replies
    1. Nononononon no ! they are not spoiled, just gently loved !
      If you do persuade to get him outside so you can throw soybeans at him, you must take photos

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  5. I love those two!

    My potbellied pig liked pancakes, too.

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    Replies
    1. awwwwwwww, they are pretty special and we lurve them.

      I mean what is not to love. fluffy, yummy goodness. everyone plus animals must love them.

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  6. i'm with the square boys, i LOVE pancakes!

    hugs, bee
    xoxoxooxox

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    Replies
    1. I use to make Crepes and Swedish pancakes for them but they really like and only want the bisquick kind. Although I do make them somewhat different.

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  7. PANCAKES! YUM! I'll be right over. I especially like Swedish pancakes. Those are my favorite.

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    Replies
    1. I must admit the Japanese Pancake Mix is pretty good too.
      But I adore the Swedish pancakes the best !

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