Celebrating the New Year comes in different ways from across a range of countries. Among the typical ways are eating a sumptuous dinner, having drinks and singing the Auld Lang Syne.

The Japanese have a different approach. They toss out beans while chanting, "Demons out! Luck!

Their unique way of celebrating the New Year has started during the country's traditional Heian period. They roasted the soybeans before they throw them out the door.

This practice believes to be effective in locking distinguished evil inside until they die and disappear. Throwing soybeans out is plainly like keeping away oneself from the seeds of bad luck.

Shinto, the name of the tradition, has about four million followers. Despite the number, it is still regarded as one of the major beliefs in the world. The name "Shinto" is derived from two Chinese terms: shen and dao, which when put together would mean "way of the gods."

The gods or kami in Chinese are more connected to the natural elements such as lighting, thunder, ocean waves and others compared to the so-called anthropomorphic personalities. They are also considered spiritual essences, which mean they are present in all things and humans.

Given the religion's description, it can be therefore considered as universal type of practice which can coexist with other religions without any trouble. One situation to prove this fact is the ability of certain families to can attend both Shinto weddings and Buddhist funerals.

Shinto is known for its four affirmations: love of nature, devotion to family, honoring of ancestors and cleanliness. Despite the absence of Shinto morality code per se, its believers are being guided by the ethical lessons of Confucianism.

The story of Shinto was revealed in the Kojiki, the country's Record of Ancient Matters that was developed early in the 8th century.