More than just sybolizing greed, anger and ignorance, the oni also embody ill fortune and impurity.

Before the dance the red 'leader' oni blesses worshippers, taking on their 'klesha'.
When the demons are finally chased away and cast out, they take everyone's bad luck with them.

🫘👹🪓DANCING DEMONS❤️💚🖤

One of Setsubun's (節分) liveliest festivals takes place at the small temple of Rozan-ji.
At 3pm three oni (one red, one green, one black) appear before the main hall. Clasping flaming torches and mean-looking weapons, they begin to dance!

#Kyoto #廬山寺