Introduction
One of the most significant traditional holidays on the calendar, Chuseok, falls during a season of festivity and family get-togethers as the cool fall air comes into Korea. Chuseok, also called Korea's Harvest Festival, is a time to celebrate the harvest, respect ancestors, and exchange food. Whether you’re new to learning about Korean culture or are just curious about this holiday, here’s your official guide to understanding Chuseok.
What is Chuseok?
In the lunar calendar, Chuseok happens on the fifteenth day of the eighth month. It is also occasionally called Hangawi. By Gregorian calendar, this happens in September or October most of the time. It's customary for Koreans to share the bounty of their labor with family and friends and express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Over the three days of the festival, people can spend time with each other, visit their hometowns, and engage in ancestral customs.
The Origins of Chuseok
The history of Chuseok dates back thousands of years. Some historians connect it to a weaving competition held during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD), in which various teams competed to produce the best woven items. It is thought to have originated from ancient harvest festivals. They would then feast extravagantly to celebrate. These festivities developed into a more extensive Thanksgiving and ancestor-worshiping event over time.
Key Traditions of Chuseok
1. Charye – Ancestral Rituals:
A key aspect of Chuseok is paying reverence to ancestors through a ceremony called charye. To show their ancestors their thanks, families prepare a feast of recently produced grains, fruits, and traditional delicacies. Usually, the meal is offered at a specific table during the rite, which takes place at home. It's a way to pay tribute to ancestry and show appreciation for all of life's blessings this past year.
2. Seongmyo – Visiting Ancestral Graves:
A custom known as seongmyo is observed by many families during Chuseok, when they pay homage to their ancestors' graves. Offerings of food and beverages are placed at the gravesite as a token of respect, and the graves are cleaned and cared for. This tradition is a reflection of Korean culture's great regard for family and the value of staying connected to one's origins.
3. Hanboks - Traditonal Korean Attire
Chuseok is also a time when many people happen to wear the hanbok, Korea’s traditional clothing. Elegant, flowing motifs and vivid hues are hallmarks of hanboks. Even while hanboks nowadays are more frequently worn for formal events like weddings or parties, Chuseok is still a popular time to wear them.
Here are some of your favorite K-Pop idols wearing these beautiful garments!
ENHYPEN
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BTS
STAYC
4. Traditional Games and Folk Performances:
To celebrate the harvest, ganggangsullae, a female-performed circle dance, is one of the many traditional activities practiced during Chuseok. Other well-liked pursuits, such as wrestling (ssireum) and swinging (geunetagi), highlight the holiday's fusion of entertainment and cultural legacy.
Chuseok in 2024: A Look At Current Trends
Like any other festival, Chuseok has changed over time. Sustainable gift-giving and food packing have gained popularity in recent years, as more families choose to use eco-friendly products. In addition, a lot of younger generations are streamlining the ancestor rites in order to prioritize spending time with each other. Online shopping and delivery services have also enhanced in popularity, making it much simpler for families to prepare for the holiday without the stress of large crowds.
Conclusion
Let's pause as we anticipate the upcoming Chuseok holiday to honor not just the cuisine and celebrations but also the enduring customs that give this occasion such significance. Chuseok is an invitation to get in touch with family, remember the past, and be grateful for the present, whether you're celebrating in Korea or from another country.
Happy Chuseok! (추석 잘 보내세요!)
Image Credits:
https://korelimited.com/blogs/korelimited/chuseoks-songpyeon-the-half-moon-rice-cake
https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=181697
https://m.korean-vibe.com/news/newsview.php?ncode=1065599514177042
https://enews.imbc.com/M/Detail/359262
https://weyesweb.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/ganggangsullae-circle-dance-traditional-dace-of-korea/
Author: Ella
