For Seniors: Wishing for Good Health — Handmade Setsubun Decoration Ideas
This time, we’re sharing handmade Setsubun decoration ideas for older adults.
Since Setsubun is a traditional event passed down through the ages, many of you have probably celebrated it before.
Setsubun marks the division between winter and spring.
People pray to “stay healthy for the year,” eat ehomaki to ward off misfortune, and throw beans to drive away evil.
When making Setsubun crafts, put your heart into wishing for good health, and have fun creating them together—chatting and laughing—with everyone at the nursing home or day service.
[For Seniors] Wishing for Good Health: Handmade Setsubun Decoration Ideas (1–10)
Fan ornament of an Oni and Otafuku
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJvZG5-JY-j/A lucky collaboration of folding fans, Otafuku, and oni! Simply make the oni, Otafuku, and fans out of origami and paste them together to create a wall decoration with a distinctly Japanese feel.
Decorating them together with the characters for “Setsubun” or “fortune,” as well as plum blossoms, will enhance the early-spring atmosphere for a beautiful finish.
Using chiyogami and other traditional Japanese patterned papers is also recommended.
The folding methods aren’t very complicated, but if they’re difficult, it’s a good idea to prepare the oni and Otafuku in advance so you can start from the decorating step.
Ehomaki made with a toilet paper roll core
Ehomaki is a type of rolled sushi considered lucky to eat silently while facing the year’s auspicious direction, known as the “eho,” on Setsubun.
It sparked a nationwide boom after 2000 and has since become a familiar winter tradition, but eating an entire roll in silence can be quite a challenge.
Instead, try a craft project using a toilet paper roll as the base, along with origami paper and tissues—it’s great for finger dexterity training, too.
You can’t eat it, of course, but making it while praying for good health is a Setsubun-style activity that lifts your spirits and keeps you looking forward.
Oni (demon) made from a paper roll core
Let’s make a simple oni (demon) decoration using a toilet paper roll! Prepare a roll cut in half, and attach origami paper with a pattern for the pants up to half its height.
On the upper half, glue origami paper in the color of the oni you want to make, then draw the eyes and mouth.
Cut out a cloud-shaped hair piece, attach the horns to it, and stick it on top of the oni’s face—and you’re done! The roll’s rounded shape makes for an adorable oni.
Since you just cut, draw, and glue, it’s easy to make and perfect for recreation activities at day service centers.
Origami: Otafuku (Traditional Smiling Woman Mask)
Let’s make an Otafuku, a symbol of inviting good fortune, out of origami! Just like the oni (ogre), Otafuku is a classic decoration for Setsubun.
In Kyogen theater, she plays the role of lecturing the oni and guiding them to reform, making her an indispensable figure for Setsubun.
Her white, round cheeks and gentle smile are soothing, aren’t they? When making Otafuku with origami, it’s best to use paper that’s black on the front and white on the back.
With a single sheet, you can represent black hair and a white face.
Finish by drawing the face, and you’re done! Display her together with an oni to welcome a year full of good fortune.
Origami: Ogre
Let’s try making an ogre (oni) decoration with origami! Origami is wonderful because you can create a piece using just a single sheet of paper.
The standard is solid-colored origami, but these days there are many varieties, such as ones with traditional Japanese patterns or beautiful gradients.
Looking through different kinds of origami makes you feel excited, thinking, “What should I make next?” There are also many ways to fold an oni, ranging from simple to very advanced.
Choose your favorite paper and folding method to create a unique oni decoration!
Setsubun wreath
Let’s make an origami wreath decorated with lots of Setsubun motifs! Wreaths are often associated with Christmas decorations, but in fact they can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the season.
They are said to have originated in ancient Greece, where they were presented to Olympic victors.
Wreaths are also believed to ward off evil, making them perfect decorations for Setsubun, when ogres (oni) are thought to draw near.
Let’s craft a wreath base out of origami, along with decorative motifs like oni and Otafuku! You can stick it on a room door or the front entrance and enjoy it as a wall decoration.
Hanging ornaments
A must-see for anyone whose handmade creations are starting to pile up! Try making a charming hanging mobile to add a touch of seasonal atmosphere to your interior decor.
Many of you may enjoy quietly crafting pieces with origami and the like.
As your beautiful seasonal creations multiply, it really lifts your spirits, doesn’t it? But some of you might be wondering how to store everything as your collection grows.
In that case, try connecting your pieces with thread and turning them into a hanging decoration! If you group them by season or event and make separate mobiles, they’ll serve as seasonal decorations you can reuse next year.
It tidies up your room and makes it stylish too—two birds with one stone.