Setsubun: Soybeans, Ogre Drums and Bean-Throwing Play
Preschool
February 4, 2017
Setsubun fell on February 3 that year.
Although Cosmo Global Kids is an international preschool, we also want children to learn about Japanese traditions. Our Japanese lessons explored Setsubun over three days.
Day One: Foods Made from Soybeans and the Yaikagashi Tradition
The first day introduced the soybeans associated with bean throwing.
We began with roasted soybeans.
In this historical activity, the children first explored their smell and firmness, then tasted them.
They also tasted tofu and soy sauce and observed natto.
Although all are made from soybeans, their smells, textures and flavors are quite different. The children may not have understood every connection yet, but we hoped the experience would spark interest in many things.
We also learned about yaikagashi, a custom associated particularly with the Kanto region. A grilled sardine head and holly are displayed at the entrance. In the tradition, the smell of the fish and prickly holly leaves are believed to keep ogres away.
Day Two: Making an Ogre Pellet Drum
On the second day, we made ogre-shaped den-den daiko, or pellet drums.
After hearing the instructions, the children began with their own ideas: a frightening ogre or a friendly one. They glued circular, triangular and square facial features onto a paper-plate face.
We deliberately included Japanese counters in our conversation, such as asking how many horns they wanted or talking about two eyes, to help children gradually notice that different objects use different counting words.
Once finished, they skillfully rolled the handles between their hands to play their drums.
Day Three: Bean Throwing—Ogres Out, Good Fortune In!
The third day was Setsubun itself.
The children wondered whether ogres would come. Some were excited and a little frightened too.
Picture-card stories and earlier discussions had introduced the tradition. They chatted about throwing beans if an ogre arrived, calling “Oni wa soto!” and how the smell of yaikagashi kept ogres away.
Then it was time for bean throwing!
The children gathered in the hall and prepared their “beans,” made from crumpled paper. Suddenly, two ogres appeared!
They energetically called “Ogres out!” and threw the paper beans. Some cried because they were frightened, but still joined in. Once the ogres had gone, we displayed the yaikagashi at the entrance to keep them from returning.
May the children who so bravely chased away the ogres enjoy a healthy year!
Although Cosmo Global Kids is an international preschool, we also want children to learn about Japanese traditions. Our Japanese lessons explored Setsubun over three days.
Day One: Foods Made from Soybeans and the Yaikagashi Tradition
The first day introduced the soybeans associated with bean throwing.
We began with roasted soybeans.
In this historical activity, the children first explored their smell and firmness, then tasted them.
They also tasted tofu and soy sauce and observed natto.
Although all are made from soybeans, their smells, textures and flavors are quite different. The children may not have understood every connection yet, but we hoped the experience would spark interest in many things.
We also learned about yaikagashi, a custom associated particularly with the Kanto region. A grilled sardine head and holly are displayed at the entrance. In the tradition, the smell of the fish and prickly holly leaves are believed to keep ogres away.
Day Two: Making an Ogre Pellet Drum
On the second day, we made ogre-shaped den-den daiko, or pellet drums.
After hearing the instructions, the children began with their own ideas: a frightening ogre or a friendly one. They glued circular, triangular and square facial features onto a paper-plate face.
We deliberately included Japanese counters in our conversation, such as asking how many horns they wanted or talking about two eyes, to help children gradually notice that different objects use different counting words.
Once finished, they skillfully rolled the handles between their hands to play their drums.
Day Three: Bean Throwing—Ogres Out, Good Fortune In!
The third day was Setsubun itself.
The children wondered whether ogres would come. Some were excited and a little frightened too.
Picture-card stories and earlier discussions had introduced the tradition. They chatted about throwing beans if an ogre arrived, calling “Oni wa soto!” and how the smell of yaikagashi kept ogres away.
Then it was time for bean throwing!
The children gathered in the hall and prepared their “beans,” made from crumpled paper. Suddenly, two ogres appeared!
They energetically called “Ogres out!” and threw the paper beans. Some cried because they were frightened, but still joined in. Once the ogres had gone, we displayed the yaikagashi at the entrance to keep them from returning.
May the children who so bravely chased away the ogres enjoy a healthy year!