Language/Korean/Culture/Korean-Holidays
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| ◀️ Korean Etiquette — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Korean Cuisine ▶️ |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore the rich and vibrant world of Korean holidays. Holidays are an integral part of any culture as they reflect the values, traditions, and history of a society. By delving into the customs and traditions associated with major Korean holidays, you will gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and enhance your language learning experience. From Lunar New Year to Chuseok, we will explore the significance of each holiday and the unique ways in which Koreans celebrate them. So, let's embark on this cultural journey and discover the joy and warmth of Korean holidays!
Lunar New Year (Seollal)[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Lunar New Year, known as Seollal in Korean, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Korea. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time for families to come together, pay respects to ancestors, and wish for a prosperous year ahead. Seollal usually falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.
Customs and Traditions[edit | edit source]
During Seollal, Koreans engage in various customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most significant traditions is the ancestral memorial service, known as Charye. Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors by offering food and drinks at the ancestral altar. This ritual is an important way to honor and remember ancestors, as well as to seek their blessings for the upcoming year.
Another popular tradition during Seollal is the wearing of traditional Korean clothing called hanbok. Hanbok is a colorful and elegant attire that symbolizes Korean heritage and is worn by both young and old during the holiday. It is a beautiful sight to see families dressed in hanbok, adding a touch of tradition and elegance to the festive atmosphere.
Traditional Games[edit | edit source]
Seollal is also a time for fun and games. Traditional Korean games are played during this holiday to bring joy and laughter to families and friends. One popular game is Yutnori, a board game that involves throwing four wooden sticks to determine how many spaces a player can move. Yutnori is a strategic game that requires both luck and skill, and it is often played in teams, adding a competitive element to the festivities.
Another traditional game is Jegichagi, a game that involves kicking a small object made of paper or cloth, similar to a shuttlecock. The goal is to keep the object in the air by kicking it with various parts of the body, except for the hands. Jegichagi is a game that requires agility and coordination, and it is a favorite pastime during Seollal.
Traditional Food[edit | edit source]
No Korean holiday is complete without a feast of delicious food, and Seollal is no exception. One of the most popular dishes during this holiday is tteokguk, a hearty soup made with sliced rice cakes, beef broth, and various toppings. Eating tteokguk is a symbolic way to celebrate the New Year, as the long and cylindrical shape of the rice cakes represents longevity and the beginning of a new cycle.
Another traditional dish is jeon, a type of Korean pancake that is made with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and meat. Jeon is often enjoyed as a side dish during Seollal, and it is a favorite among both young and old.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is another major holiday in Korea that holds great cultural significance. It is a harvest festival that celebrates the abundance of the autumn harvest and gives thanks to ancestors for their blessings. Chuseok is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which falls in September or October.
Customs and Traditions[edit | edit source]
During Chuseok, families gather to pay respects to their ancestors and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Similar to Seollal, Chuseok also involves ancestral memorial services and the wearing of hanbok. Families visit ancestral gravesites to clean and tidy them, offer food and drinks, and bow in respect to their ancestors.
Another important tradition during Chuseok is the making and sharing of songpyeon, a special type of rice cake. Songpyeon is made with glutinous rice and filled with various ingredients such as sweet bean paste, sesame seeds, and chestnuts. Making songpyeon is a time-consuming process that requires skill and patience, and it is often done as a family activity. Sharing songpyeon with family members and neighbors is a way to spread joy and foster a sense of community during the holiday.
Seongmyo (Ancestral Ritual)[edit | edit source]
One of the most significant rituals during Chuseok is the seongmyo, an ancestral ritual that takes place at the ancestral gravesite. Families gather to clean the gravesite, offer food and drinks, and bow in respect to their ancestors. This ritual is a solemn and reverent occasion that allows Koreans to connect with their ancestral roots and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by previous generations.
Ganggangsullae (Circle Dance)[edit | edit source]
A unique tradition that takes place during Chuseok is the Ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance. Women of all ages join hands and form a large circle, singing and dancing under the moonlight. The dance is accompanied by a traditional folk song called "Ganggangsullae," which has a rhythmic and melodic tune. The Ganggangsullae is a joyful and communal celebration that symbolizes unity and harmony among the participants.
Other Korean Holidays[edit | edit source]
While Lunar New Year and Chuseok are the most prominent holidays in Korea, there are several other holidays that hold cultural significance. Here are a few examples:
Children's Day (Eorininal)[edit | edit source]
Children's Day, known as Eorininal in Korean, is a special holiday dedicated to celebrating and honoring children. It is celebrated on May 5th each year and is a time for families to spend quality time together and engage in fun activities. Children often receive gifts and participate in various events and performances organized specifically for them.
Buddha's Birthday (Seokga Tansinil)[edit | edit source]
Buddha's Birthday, known as Seokga Tansinil in Korean, is an important holiday for Buddhists in Korea. It commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Temples are adorned with colorful lanterns, and various ceremonies and parades take place to celebrate this auspicious day. One of the most popular events is the Lotus Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns are lit and paraded through the streets.
Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol)[edit | edit source]
Independence Movement Day, known as Samiljeol in Korean, commemorates the March 1st Movement in 1919, when Koreans staged peaceful protests against Japanese colonial rule. This holiday is an important reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by Koreans for their independence. Various events and ceremonies take place across the country to honor the spirit of the March 1st Movement.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now, let's put your knowledge of Korean holidays to the test with some exercises. Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. Which holiday is known as Korean Thanksgiving? a) Lunar New Year b) Chuseok c) Children's Day
2. What is the traditional Korean clothing worn during holidays? a) Hanbok b) Jeon c) Songpyeon
3. What is the traditional game played during Lunar New Year? a) Yutnori b) Jegichagi c) Ganggangsullae
4. What is the traditional rice cake made during Chuseok? a) Tteokguk b) Songpyeon c) Eomuk
5. Which holiday commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama? a) Buddha's Birthday b) Independence Movement Day c) Children's Day
Answers: 1) b) Chuseok 2) a) Hanbok 3) a) Yutnori 4) b) Songpyeon 5) a) Buddha's Birthday
Explanation: 1) Chuseok is known as Korean Thanksgiving and is a major holiday in Korea. 2) Hanbok is the traditional Korean clothing worn during holidays. 3) Yutnori is a traditional game played during Lunar New Year. 4) Songpyeon is the traditional rice cake made during Chuseok. 5) Buddha's Birthday commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Korean holidays offer a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of Korea. By understanding the customs and traditions associated with these holidays, you will not only deepen your appreciation for Korean culture but also enhance your language learning journey. From the ancestral memorial services of Seollal to the harvest celebrations of Chuseok, each holiday has its own unique customs and significance. So, embrace the festive spirit, explore the vibrant traditions, and immerse yourself in the joyous world of Korean holidays!
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Korean Holidays - Christmas - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Korean Language & Culture Series(Ep.5: Korean Holidays) - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Learn Korean Holidays - Independence Movement Day - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Korean National Parks
- Korean Eco Friendly Practices
- Korean Weddings
- Korean Pottery
- South Korea Timeline
- Korean Music
- Korean Folk Villages
- Korean Cinema
- Korean Etiquette
- Korean Paper Crafts
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