|
The
History of Ch'usok
The
5th day of the 8th lunar month is called
Ch'usok (the harvest moon) or Hangawi in
pure Korean. Since this day marks the
harvest time, it is regarded as the
equivalent of American Thanksgiving Day. And
it is celebrated as enthusiastically as the
New Year Day. Hangawi originated from the
word "Kabae". In the Shilla
Kingdom era, the capital was divided into
six divisions. Women in the six divisions
were organized into two competing groups to
contest their skills in weaving hemp clothes
in the presence of the king. Following the
contest, they enjoyed a banquet and various
pastimes. This day was called Kabae.
Nowadays,
early this morning, Koreans perform an
ancestor worship ritual with an offer of
food made of new crops, visit the tombs of
their immediate ancestors and trim the
plants of the tombs. Harvest crops are
attributed to the blessing of ancestors and
Ch'usok offers an unique opportunity to
refresh the memory of our gratitude to
ancestors.
The
Korean concept of hometown is distinct
because of its affiliation with ancestor
worship and its impact on the mode of
observing Ch'usok. The hometown is not only
the place where one is born or grows up. It
is also the place for enshrining the spirits
of one's ancestors. Leaving one's hometown
means departure from one's ancestors. This
fact alone accounts for the flocking of
Koreans to hometowns for reunion with
relatives and the spirits of their ancestors
on festive days like Ch'usok and the New
Year Day.
Songp'yon,
a crescent-shaped rice cake, is one major
food prepared on Ch'usok.
Every
Korean cherishes childhood memories of
making Songp'yon with other family members.
Ch'usok is favored over other festive days
by fine weather, the full, bright moon and
an abundance of foods made of new crops and
various folk plays creating a festive mood.
A
variety of folk games are played on Ch'usok,
but it varies depending on 1ocality. A lion
dance is conducted in the north-western
province, a tug of rope in the Kyongsang
Province and Kanggangsullae in the Cholla
Province. For all the variation of games,
the farmer's musical band is prevalent in
all provinces.
We
have taken a glimpse into the unique life
patterns of Koreans through their
traditional events and customs. The
characteristic highlights of Koreans' life
patterns are summarized as follows ;
First.
As we appreciate in ancestor worship rituals
and Sollal's greetings, Koreans set great
store in ancestor worship,filial piety to
parents and respect for elders.
Second,
There is a strong sense of community ethics
that emphasizes the virtue of sharing foods
and work with neighbors. Cooperative
ventures are promoted through folk games
played on festive days.
Third,
Harmony with nature is an consistent point
of emphasis, as reflected in the mode of
traditional costumes the architectural
design of the traditional house and the
rhythm of folk plays.
Fourth,
Ancient shamanism has left its legacy in the
form of belief in the supernatural power as
the guardian against natural disasters.
Shamanism has maintained its precarious
existence amid the onslaught of modern
civilization and technology.
Source: http://www.ktnet.co.kr/enghome/culture/customs.html#4 |
