NWC News Desk

Feb. 3 Setsubun Celebration foreshadows spring

Posted January 25, 2016
By NWC News Desk

POWELL, Wyoming — For those who feel winter is already overstaying its welcome, Northwest College will hold a Setsubun Celebration at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Intercultural House, 565 College Drive.

In Japan, Setsubun is celebrated the day before the beginning of Risshun, or spring, which is observed Feb. 4 as part of Spring Festival. The Japanese mark the holiday by throwing roasted soybeans while chanting “In with fortune! Out with evil!” to prevent evil ogres from entering their house.

The NWC celebration will start with a brief presentation about “Setsubun,” which means “seasonal division,” followed by the custom of “Mamemake” where participants will be invited to throw soybeans to receive good luck for the new year.

Attendees will also learn to make sushi rolls and then taste them afterward.

This free program is sponsored by the NWC Office of Intercultural Programs.