The Japanese legendary deity who has golden, four eyes

Setsubun festivals are held all over Japan on February 3rd every year. I'll introduce you the legendary deity appearing in Setsubun festivals in Japan who has golden, four eyes and drives away evil spirits and demons. The person who takes the role of this deity during the ritual wears a golden, four-eyed mask and red garment and repels the demons. 

In the Setsubun festival held at Nagahama Hatimangu shrine in Shiga Prefecture, we can see the legendary deity who wears a golden, four-eyed mask and red clothing, and has a shield and a spear. This deity is called Housoushi in Japanese and has the role of driving away demons (ogres). Ogres are 'Oni' in Japanese and are unique Japanese monsters that appear in Japanese fairy tales and folklore.  There are various theories as to why this deity has four eyes. According to one theory, it is said that this is because the four corners of a tomb where evil spirits lurk can be clearly seen.

As mentioned above, this legendary deity is called Housoushi  in Japanese.  Housou  means four corners and  shi is a specialist. He plays an important role in the Setsubun festival held at the Japanese shrines.

A shrine staff is helping him put the mask on.

He is waiting for the opening of the ritual. In his left is the Mayor of Nagahama City, and afterwards, the mayor will play an important role.

The ritual is about to start!  He has a spear in the right hand and a shield in the left.　

First, he turns left and move forward a little, then clashes his shield and spear together to make a sound and roars in loud voice to chase away ogres. 

Next, he turns right and finally faces the front, does the same behavior at each position.

Afterwards, the Mayor of this City wearing the noble garments of Heian period shoots arrows to three directions to repel evil spirits.

After the rituals, they begin to do what we are expecting for. They throw toward us the roasted soybeans packed in a small bag, candies, rice cakes and snacks.  Participants eagerly try to catch the snacks that are thrown by them.

I held my hat upside down, trying to catch the snacks. But it was difficult to catch them.

Here are my spoils of war!

Please see my blog from last year for more information about Setsubun Festival.

What is Setsubun in Japan? (Reasons for throwing beans)