立春：Risshun (First Day of Spring)

Risshun was the name given to the first day of spring in the traditional calendar once used in Japan. In the current solar calendar, risshun falls around February 4th. In Feng Shui and some other schools of fortune telling, risshun is considered to be the first day of each year. The day before risshun is called setsubun, or “the border between two seasons.” During the evening of setsubun, it is traditional to toss dried beans inside and outside one’s dwelling with the cry: “Demons get out! Good fortune comes in!” Later, people eat the beans in numbers considered to be a way of preserving good health. Also, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo celebrates Japan’s traditional festival called Hina-matsuri which is said Girls’ Doll Festival with our colorful display of some 6,800 hanging silk ornaments. The festival is to celebrate happiness and health of girls and also upcoming spring after risshun

Updated: 30 January, 2019