Korean Holidays
One of the interesting cultural concepts to me is Korean holidays, festivals, and celebrations. These aspects became a very important part of Korean culture because during the early days, Korea was predominantly an agricultural nation until the mid-twentieth century, and the lunar calendar controlled the seasonal rhythms of daily life. Because farming was so vital to the members' survival, such societies evolved a wide range of semi-religious activities to pray for a successful crop and plenty of food. Eventually, these gatherings became communal celebrations and festivals.
Chuseok, also known as hangawi, is one of Korea's most important holidays, occurring on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, alongside Lunar New Year's Day. On this day, the entire family gathers and performs a rite with newly gathered crops and fruits to show their gratitude to the gods. Koreans also celebrate the Lunar New Year's Day (Seol or Seollal) with tteokguk, or rice cake soup, a distinctive holiday delicacy. They think that by eating a cup of rice cake soup on that particular day, they will grow one year older. In addition, younger people give their elders a deep ceremonial bow and wish them a good new year. These are two major Korean festivals. Both years are marked by visits with relatives and the consumption of a wide variety of foods. Tteokguk (rice cake soup) is a traditional dish served in Seollal. They think that by eating a cup of rice cake soup on that particular day, they will grow one year older. In addition, younger people give their elders a deep ceremonial bow and wish them a good new year. Songpyeon, a Korean traditional rice cake stuffed with sesame seeds and honey, but with additional ingredients such as black beans, mung beans, cinnamon, pine nut, walnut, chestnut, and jujube, is eaten and traded with neighbors during Chuseok. Koreans pay homage to their elders and ancestors on both festivals by wearing traditional Korean clothing called Hanbok, which is also worn by the bride and groom at weddings. Both holidays have no set date and fluctuate year to year based on the Lunar calendar. Aside from these holidays, Koreans celebrate a variety of unique occasions. On November 11th, for example, it is Pepero Day. This day has no significance, but it is a pleasant day when Pepero offers special discounts and promotions. Because 11/11 is like the Pepero sticks, it's on November 11th. There are also a slew of other pointless yet entertaining "holidays", such as Pepero Day. Children's Day, for example, is another holiday. When I was studying abroad in Korea, I got to celebrate this holiday. Even though I didn’t have a Valentine, my friends and I still did a Pepero exchange. In the end, it is a day to appreciate your loved ones.
These are just some of the few interesting holidays and traditions that are part of Korean culture. It is a vital part of community building and engagement.
References:
https://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Korean-Life/Festivals
https://asiasociety.org/korea/chuseok-korean-thanksgiving-day
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