Things Starting from Setsubun
Risshun (the beginning of spring) was traditionally considered the start of the year. We now treat the day before it as the only 'Setsubun.' Originally, the term meant to divide the seasons. In the Japanese climate, which marks four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—there are four Setsubun days. They are the days before Risshun, Rikka (the beginning of summer), Risshu (the beginning of autumn), and Rittou (the beginning of winter). Since Risshun was the beginning of the year in the lunar calendar, the Setsubun on the day before it was like New Year's Eve and seems to have been treated specially. It is said that, through various developments, it became conflated with another ritual called Tsuina, which is meant to drive away demons.
Even today, we are urged to do a big year-end cleaning. Even Christian churches follow this custom as if it were natural. However, it originally stems from the worship of Toshigami (the deity of the new year). The idea is that we must welcome the Toshigami, who visits in the new year, in a purified state.
By the way, the calendar established by humans is actually quite well-researched and thought out regarding the rules of celestial bodies and nature. Thales, the founder of ancient Greek philosophy, is said to have predicted a solar eclipse. Hypatia of Alexandria, who was brutally murdered by Christians in the early 5th century, was depicted in the film 'Agora' as having advocated for the heliocentric theory in her astronomical observations, though it is believed that the heliocentric theory itself existed even before that.
I wonder if we still see scenes in recent years of kindergarten children innocently scattering beans while saying, 'Demons out, fortune in,' during this Setsubun. In the first place, the number of 'kindergartens' is decreasing sharply. This is because fewer parents are picking up their children at 2:00 PM. The significance of kindergartens as educational institutions is fading like mist.
Perhaps not out of perversity, but there are regions that scatter beans saying, 'Demons in.' Ways of thinking vary depending on one's position. After all, 'Kannazuki' (the month of no gods) is 'Kamiarizuki' (the month of gods) for Izumo.
Some point out that demons are things that nest within ourselves. Everyone has a demon inside their heart. I don't think scattering beans is enough to drive that out. However, it is also strange to feel relieved by thinking you have identified it with words like 'darkness of the heart.'
A verdict was handed down last week regarding a crime committed by someone who was mentally isolated. It was impressive that a medical professional explained their desire not to let the perpetrator 'escape through death.' While showing a sense of mission as a doctor to simply save lives calmly, they also taught us that such emotions exist. As a human being, that is probably natural. But what kind of heart is swirling deep inside? I think there are many things that cannot be put into words.
As many people have recalled, there is a masterpiece by Osamu Tezuka, 'Black Jack,' titled 'The Boy Who Died Twice.' It is set in Harlem, New York. A boy chased by the police jumps and suffers cardiopulmonary arrest. Black Jack accepts the request and saves the boy's life. However, the boy is sentenced to death in court. At that trial, Black Jack protested, 'I didn't save him so you could execute him!!'
However, the current situation cannot be easily equated with this. As pointed out in 'The Death Penalty: A Philosophical Insight' (Toshito Kayano, Chuko Shinsho), the death penalty is not a deterrent for crimes committed by those who want to be executed. The phrase 'escape through death' likely connects to this point.
It is regrettable to wonder if they could have connected with someone's heart. On the other hand, there are people who hold hands, connect hearts, and encourage each other to live. We have learned from reports on disasters and floods, and from the voices of victims, that when we lose many things in a disaster, our eyes are opened to what is truly important. What kind of existence is the 'demon' that we want to drive out of our hearts? Can humans really drive it out?