Chuseok : Korea's Harvest Festival https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20240915/130049205/1 Chuseok, often referred to as the "Korean Thanksgiving," is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, it marks the autumn harvest season. The holiday usually lasts for three days, giving families time to gather, celebrate, and honor their ancestors. The Meaning Behind Chuseok https://biz.chosun.com/science-chosun/science/2024/09/15/ZE5UGRZGAVFHRKFH2KCQTC6BE4/?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=original&utm_campaign=biz Chuseok has deep cultural roots in agriculture, with its origins tied to giving thanks for the year’s harvest. In ancient Korea, communities would come together to thank their ancestors for a bountiful harvest, and this tradition has evolved into what Chuseok is today. It’s a time for showing gratitude for the hard work put into farming and celebrating the abundance of food. Ancestor Worship and Charye https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0003063222&CMPT_CD=P0010&utm_source=naver&utm_medium=newsearch&utm_campaign=naver_news One of the most important rituals during Chuseok is Charye (차례), a ceremonial event where families honor their ancestors by offering food and drinks. A special table, adorned with freshly harvested crops, fruits, and traditional dishes, is prepared. The family gathers to bow in respect and offer thanks, believing that their ancestors will protect and bless them in return. Songpyeon: The Taste of Chuseok https://biz.chosun.com/science-chosun/medicine-health/2024/09/15/FZHHUGTZQZF3LNCLZINTJNF2TQ/?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=original&utm_campaign=biz Songpyeon (송편), a traditional rice cake, is a must-have during Chuseok. These small, crescent-shaped rice cakes are filled with sweet ingredients like sesame seeds, red bean paste, or chestnuts. They are often made together as a family, symbolizing the importance of unity and togetherness. There’s also a belief that whoever makes the prettiest songpyeon will have a beautiful daughter! Family, Games, and Traditional Attire https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240913032700005?input=1195m Chuseok is a time for family reunions. People travel across the country to visit their hometowns, often creating one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Korea. https://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3179589 Families not only perform rituals but also spend time playing traditional games like ssireum (씨름), a form of Korean wrestling, or yutnori (윷놀이), a popular board game. Many also wear hanbok (한복), Korea's traditional attire, during the celebrations. Visiting Graves and Seongmyo https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0003063870&CMPT_CD=P0010&utm_source=naver&utm_medium=newsearch&utm_campaign=naver_news Another important tradition is Seongmyo (성묘), where families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the burial sites and pay their respects. This act reinforces the importance of family heritage and the continued connection between the living and the deceased. https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202409151435001 For Koreans, Chuseok is more than just a day off work. It’s a meaningful time of remembrance, family bonding, and celebrating the harvest. If you ever get the chance to experience Chuseok in Korea, you'll witness the deep traditions, delicious food, and warm sense of community that make it such a special holiday. https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202409151435001 https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202409151435001 https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202409151435001 https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202409151435001 #Chuseok #추석 #KoreanCulture #한국문화 #HarvestFestival #명절 #AncestorWorship #송편 #Songpyeon #Charye #차례 #Seongmyo #성묘 #Hanbok #한복 #FamilyTime #가족모임 #KoreanTradition #한국전통 #Togetherness #감사 #Gratitude All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
