This page looks at spring fesitvals in Shinto.
Haru Matsuri (Spring festivals)
Last updated 2000-09-17
Haru Matsuri (Spring festivals)
Toga Shrine, Aichi, a few days before Toshigoi-no-Matsuri ©Springtime (January to May) is a time for many festivals, haru matsuri, often centred on the planting of crops. Different shrines countrywide hold their own celebrations on varying dates.
Rissun (or Setsubun)
Rissun is celebrated on 3 February and marks the beginning of spring. It is sometimes called Setsubun, although Setsubun can really refer to the beginning of any season.
Rissun is known as the bean-throwing festival. When celebrated at home, a male of the family will scatter roasted beans, saying "demons out, good luck in". At shrines, lucky beans are thrown into the congregation, who will attempt to catch them.
Toshigoi-no-Matsuri
This spring festival is a celebration to pray to the gods for a good harvest.
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