These really look alike.
Japanese black soybeans and Japanese black persimmon wood. These are living forms.

In Japan, February 3rd is the day of “Setsubun”.
Setsubun signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
We shower soybeans to banish evil spirits and welcome good fortune. After that, we pray for good health and well-being while eating as many soybeans as our age.

 

2月3日は節分。
手にした黒大豆が、黒柿とそっくりでした。ルーツを辿れば、この２つの植物は、きっとどこかで繋がっているのだと感じます。