Setsubun

In Japan, February 3rd is Setsubun or the time of the Bean-Throwing Ceremony. Setsubun is the day when Spring is ushered in, coinciding with the Chinese New Year and also Groundhog's Day in America.

Since it is so close to the Chinese New Year, Setsubun could be thought of as a type of New Year  celebration itself. It is thought that at this time of the year the spirit world and the physical world are at their closest (sort of like Halloween in the west) and people throw soy beans to chase away any wandering spirits that may be close to their homes. This is usually done by a either the father of the house or if another male in the house's zodiac sign corresponds to the new year's zodiac sign. The male throws the beans from his doorstep at another family member in an Oni, or demon, mask and cries, "Demons out, luck in!" and slams the door in the Oni's face. Then family members will eat roasted soy beans, one bean for each year they have lived so far, for good luck in the new year.

Since the spirit and physical worlds are so close at this time, Setsubun is also thought to take place outside of normal time and family members can sometimes play role-reversal - where young girls will dress like old women and vice-versa, another similarity to the western Halloween traditions.

I knew there had to be a reason why all those old ladies had their hair in pigtails today.