Tsuina: Banishing Evil Spirits in Japanese Tradition
As winter fades and the first whispers of spring touch the Japanese archipelago, a unique spiritual tension fills the air. In the ancient lunar calendar, the changing of seasons—specifically the eve of spring—was considered a perilous time when the barrier between the human world and the spirit realm grew thin. To protect the Imperial Court and the nation from malevolent forces, Japan developed Tsuina (追儺), a dramatic exorcism ritual designed to drive away plague and demons.
While many travelers are familiar with the modern fun of throwing soybeans during Setsubun, few realize these festivities are the direct descendants of the solemn, spectacular Tsuina ceremonies of the Heian period. Let’s journey back in time to understand how ancient Japan fought the invisible monsters of the dark.
The Origins: An Import from the Tang Dynasty
The roots of Tsuina are not native to Japan but were imported from China during the Tang Dynasty. Known originally as the Nuo ritual in China, it was a shamanistic practice performed to expel pestilence and evil spirits. Japan adopted this practice during the late Nara period (710–794) and fully integrated it into court life during the Heian period (794–1185).
Originally, Tsuina was strictly an affair of the Imperial Palace, performed on the last day of the year according to the lunar calendar (New Year’s Eve). The ancient Japanese believed that epidemics and natural disasters were caused by Oni (ogres or demons) and wandering spirits. Therefore, before the new year could begin, a spiritual cleansing was required to ensure the health of the Emperor and the state.
The Legend of the Four-Eyed Exorcist
The visual imagery of the Tsuina ritual is striking and terrifying by design. The central figure of the ceremony is the Houshi (sometimes referred to as the Hosshi), a role originally played by a high-ranking court official.
According to tradition and historical scrolls, the Houshi dons a distinctive mask featuring four golden eyes. These four eyes symbolize the ability to see demons in all directions, leaving no shadow for evil to hide in. Dressed in crimson robes and bearing a shield and spear, the Houshi leads a procession through the palace grounds.
The Ritual Performance
In the traditional enacting of the rite, the Houshi shouts incantations to intimidate the invisible demons. He is often accompanied by courtiers carrying bows made of peach wood and arrows made of reeds. In Taoist and ancient Japanese lore, peach wood was believed to possess spiritual power capable of destroying evil.
The ritual reaches its climax when the Houshi and his entourage simulate a battle, physically driving actors dressed as Oni out of the palace gates and into the night, effectively purifying the space for the coming year.
Modern Culture: From Court Rite to Setsubun
Over the centuries, the Tsuina ritual filtered down from the aristocracy to the samurai class, and eventually to the common people. As it merged with local folk traditions, it evolved into what we now know as Setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring).
The terrifying four-eyed mask and spears have largely been replaced in households by roasted soybeans. The chant changed from complex incantations to the famous phrase, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Fortune in!). However, the core intent remains identical: a spiritual house-cleaning to banish misfortune and invite luck.
While household Setsubun is lighthearted, the authentic, archaic form of Tsuina still survives. Several shrines in Japan are dedicated to preserving the Heian-style atmosphere, offering a window into the past where the ritual is performed with its original solemnity and dramatic flair.
Traveler’s Tips: Witnessing the Ancient Rite
If you want to witness the Tsuina ceremony rather than just the modern bean-throwing festivals, you must know where and when to look.
- Where to Go: The most famous and historically accurate reenactment occurs at Yoshida Shrine and Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto. Another significant performance takes place at Nagata Jinja in Kobe, where the ritual is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
- When to Go: These rituals take place annually on February 3rd (Setsubun).
- What to Expect: These are popular events. Arrive early to secure a viewing spot. The atmosphere at the shrines is electric, often featuring bonfires and Shinto music (Gagaku).
- Souvenirs: Look for Omamori (amulets) specifically designed to ward off bad luck, which are potent during this season.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep historical context of Japanese exorcism and court rituals, the following texts provide essential background:
- Shoku Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan Continued): Contains some of the earliest recorded instances of the Tsuina ritual in the Imperial Court.
- Engishiki (Procedures of the Engi Era): A 10th-century book of laws and regulations that details the specific protocols, costumes, and prayers used in the Tsuina ceremony.
- The Tale of Genji: While fiction, Murasaki Shikibu’s masterpiece offers glimpses into the atmosphere of Heian court rituals, including the superstition surrounding spirits and the changing seasons.