Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most significant traditional holidays. It's coming soon. So today I'll talk about it.
<Table of Contents>
1. What is 추석 Chuseok?
One of the most important traditional holidays is 추석(秋夕) [chu-seok]. It is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving or Harvest Day.
It occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar when you can see the full moon. It typically falls in late September or early October in the solar calendar. And people have three days' holiday, before and after the 15th of the 8th month.
⚐ Click the link if you are curious about the lunar calendar. Lunar Calendar & Lunar New Year
추석 is important as it is a way to show appreciation for the plentiful harvest of the year and has strong ties to the practice of ancestor veneration, where families pay respect to their forebears.
Although the precise beginnings of Chuseok are uncertain, it is thought to have originated in Korea's early agricultural community. It started as a celebration honoring the bountiful autumn harvest and conducting ancestral rituals to express gratitude to forebears. In the past, rituals were held to express appreciation to the deities for a successful harvest, eventually transforming into the modern Chuseok holiday.
2. Traditional Customs and Activities
During 추석 Chuseok, people do various activities. Here are some traditional customs and activities.
차례
One of the most important traditions of Chuseok is 차례 [cha-lyae], the ancestral memorial service. On the morning of Chuseok, family members gather to honor the spirits of their ancestors by offering food and drinks. Through this ritual, families pay respects to their ancestors and strengthen their familial bonds.
성묘 & 벌초
성묘 Seongmyo is the practice of visiting and tending to the graves of ancestors during Chuseok. Families clean the gravesites, remove weeds through a process called 벌초 Beolcho, and offer food, drinks, and other tributes to honor their ancestors. This tradition reflects a deep respect for ancestors and is a way to remember and connect with past generations. It is also an opportunity for families to come together and strengthen their bonds. Seongmyo is a significant part of Chuseok, symbolizing the importance of family and ancestral heritage in Korean culture.
성묘 Seongmyo, a tradition observed during Chuseok, involves families visiting and caring for the graves of their ancestors. This practice includes cleaning the gravesites and removing weeds through a process called 벌초 Beolcho
People present food, beverages, and other offerings as a sign of respect. Such customs demonstrate a profound reverence for ancestors, serving as a means to commemorate and maintain a connection with previous generations.
Additionally, 성묘 Seongmyo fosters family unity by providing an occasion for relatives to gather and reinforce their relationships. This ritual holds great significance during Chuseok, underscoring the value of family and ancestral legacy within Korean culture.
강강술래 & 씨름
During Chuseok, a range of traditional games are showcased. One of these is 강강술래 Ganggangsullae, a traditional circular dance performed by women on the night of Chuseok under the full moon. Originating from the southern parts of Korea, this folk dance conveys hopes for a successful harvest and prosperity.
During Chuseok, people do a traditional Korean wrestling called 씨름 Ssireum, which is a popular activity. Combining strength and skill, this sport provides an opportunity for family members to enjoy each other's company.
3. Food to Celebrate 추석
To celebrate Chuseok, Koreans prepare and share various traditional dishes. One of the most iconic Chuseok foods is 송편 Songpyeon, a type of rice cake shaped like a half-moon.
송편 Songpyeon is made with various fillings such as red beans, sesame seeds, and beans. The cakes are often flavored with mugwort and steamed on a bed of pine needles to add a unique aroma and taste. Making Songpyeon is a communal activity where families come together, share stories, and create fond memories, especially for children who get to make the rice cakes themselves.
One other well-liked dish is called 전 Jeon, these are savory pancakes that involve coating different ingredients in the batter and then frying them. Another traditional dish found on the holiday table is 잡채 Japchae, stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat. Additionally, seasoned vegetables and soups are commonly included, symbolizing gratitude for the blessings of ancestors and the joy of sharing a wholesome meal with family.
4. Modern-Day Chuseok
Modern Chuseok preserves age-old traditions while adjusting to the evolving social and lifestyle trends in modern Korea. In contrast to earlier times when the majority of families resided in rural regions, nowadays many are located in urban areas, resulting in the "great migration" phenomenon during Chuseok.
Highways, train stations, and bus terminals experience heavy traffic as families journey to their ancestral homes for collective celebrations. To circumvent this congestion, certain families opt to convene either prior to or following the designated holiday, making necessary schedule modifications.
In the past, women were typically responsible for preparing Chuseok food and taking care of household tasks. Nevertheless, to reduce this workload, numerous families nowadays choose to order food or use convenient meal kits. This transition has resulted in the emergence of ready-made holiday food packages, enabling families to enjoy more meaningful time together without the pressure of elaborate arrangements. This adjustment is especially appreciated by contemporary families with hectic schedules.
Modern Chuseok is also celebrated in more open and diverse ways. Some families have simplified or even skipped traditional rituals like ancestral rites (차례) and visits to ancestral graves (성묘), choosing instead to enjoy family trips or leisure activities. There is a growing trend of people using the holiday to travel domestically or abroad, creating a new form of Chuseok culture.
Gift-giving during Chuseok has also evolved. While traditional gifts like holiday food and household items were once common, today's popular gifts include health products, premium items, and personalized gift sets. With the development of online shopping and delivery services, exchanging gifts has become more convenient.
5. Conclusion
Chuseok is more than just a holiday; it is an important cultural event that strengthens family bonds and respect for ancestors. Through Chuseok, foreign learners can gain a deep understanding of Korea's traditions and family-centered culture.
Additionally, by participating in various Chuseok-related activities, they can experience Korean culture more closely. Chuseok offers a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and sense of community that are central to Korean life.
Comments