The first hint of Spring. Brigid’s fire. – that’s what you might imagine. But Council is planning to pay homage to the Japanese February holiday of Setsubun. It is the first day of spring and celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring
From japansociety.org: The festival of Setsubun—when people throw soybeans at demons—follows closely on the heels of New Year’s. The word setsubun means “changing of the seasons.” Because of the importance of the New Year in the Japanese calendar, the setsubun directly before the start of spring was by far the most important in Japan. When seasons change, people are at their most vulnerable to influenza, colds, or other ailments. The rituals for the festival of Setsubun are meant to purge ones house and surroundings of all bad things and to keep disease and misfortune at bay.
Jordan has offered to play the part of the demon we get to throw beans at during the ritual! Whatever this first Sabbat of the returning light means to you, we hope that you will join us for this unique celebration.
The potluck will be AFTER the ritual. Please arrive around 5:30pm, the ritual will begin around 5:45pm. The feasting will be after the ritual. The ritual will include an outside part and then return to the Hall so dressing in layers is advised. Ritual garb is encouraged but not required. Culturally reflecting items are also appropriate.
The potluck will be AFTER the ritual. Bring something to share or simply come and share what we have. You are not required to bring anything to join us and eat with us.
Please park on Swallow and follow the sidewalk around to the far side of the garage to find the Hall.