Writing the same thing as last year, February 3rd is Setsubun. It is the day before the beginning of Risshun (spring season). On Setsubun, we cleanse away all the evil of the former year and drive away disease-bringing evil spirits for the year to come. This special ritual is called Mamemaki (bean scattering). On this day, it is customary now to eat uncut maki-zushi called Eho-Maki ("lucky direction roll") while facing the yearly lucky compass direction, determined by the zodiac symbol of that year.The lucky direction of the year 2009 is east-northeast. If you eat Eho-Maki facing in that direction it will bring you luck. But just remember you have to eat all without speaking! Say "delicious" after you complete it ;)
The image here is Eho-Maki that I made last year. It's sushi rice is colored gold with curry powder. Don't you feel lucky?! Also, I used seven lucky ingredients including lucky colors such as red and yellow: anago (conger eel), boiled shrimp, cucumber, red bell pepper, kinshitamago (sliced egg crepe), sakura denbu (seasoned shredded codfish), and black olive.
Hmm... What kind shall I make this year...
Will see! I will post it next year on this day again if I still keep my diary ;)
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