柊ひいらぎ鰯いわし

noun

holly and sardine charm

A traditional charm placed at the entrance during Setsubun (February 3rd) to ward off evil spirits. It consists of a holly branch and a sardine head, whose smell and prickly leaves are believed to repel demons.

See also: 節分

• 節せつ分ぶんには、柊ひいらぎ鰯いわしを玄げん関かんに飾かざる家いえもある。

  Some households decorate their entrance with a holly and sardine charm during Setsubun.

• 柊ひいらぎ鰯いわしは、鬼おにが嫌きらうとされる柊ひいらぎの葉はと鰯いわしの頭あたまを使つかった魔ま除よけです。

  The holly and sardine charm is a talisman that uses holly leaves and sardine heads, which are said to be disliked by demons.