Fuku wa uchi, Oni was soto

...or..."In with fortune, Out with evil."

According to the lunar calendar, the first day of spring is considered to be the 3rd or 4th day of the second month. Therefore, in Japan, today is a day known as Setsuban or Risshun which means "the coming of spring." It is a day to welcome in the cheer and color of spring, while ushering out the cold winter gloom. To welcome in the spring, it is customary for people to open their windows and doors and toss roasted soy beans into the air while saying "Fuku wa uchi, Oni was soto." Some believe that this would prevent evil ogres from entering one's house and allow good fortune to enter in. This event is also celebrated with parades and festivities held at shrines and temples around the country.

It is also said that on this day you should eat one soy bean for each year of your life so that you can enjoy a year of good health. Elise seemed to enjoy eating the ogre mask instead of the soy beans, so I'm not quite sure what that means for her, hmmm???