1. The origin of Setsubun Setsubun is one of Japan's traditional events, and it means "dividing the seasons." Originally it was a ceremony held on the day before the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but now it refers to the day before the beginning of spring, which is around February 3rd. Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that evil spirits (bad things) are more likely to enter at the change of seasons.