Though there are many variations as to how charye is performed in different Korean families, this memorial service most definitely involves the preparation of countless kinds of food offerings to the ancestors including meat, fish, and fruits. Performing this memorial service to their ancestors once a year is a cultural way in which Korean people demonstrate respect to their ancestors and stay connected with them on a spiritual level. In honor of their ancestors and also the elderly, many Korean households continue to practice a cultural ritual called “charye” (차례) to this day. On the long weekend of the Korean New Year, the tradition is that family members have a big reunion in remembrance of their ancestors. Photo: The Korea TimesĪs mentioned above, Seollal is a culturally important time of the year that brings together family members living in different places. Let’s look at some of the activities and traditions that are associated with Korean New Year.Ī typical example of food offerings at a traditional charye. Unlike January 1st when the meaning of the celebration is centered on the beginning of a new year, the Korean New Year is strongly tied to Korean culture and traditions. Seollal traditions and culturesīy using a long weekend, it is customary that Koreans make a short visit to their own hometown and reunite with their family members while playing games and practicing cultural rituals. movie theatres), tourism, as well as some restaurants to remain in business as usual during Seollal. ![]() However, it is becoming increasingly common in recent years for industries such as entertainment (e.g. Many places including not only schools and companies, but also shopping centers and restaurants usually shut down their operations during the Korean New Year celebrations. Since Seollal constitutes one of the biggest holidays in Korean society, the majority of the people residing in Korea get to enjoy a long weekend regardless of what city or company they are in. If you plan on traveling during the Korean New Year, make sure to book and arrange your transportation well in advance! Photo: 중부매일 Even if the date falls on a Sunday, the country still recognizes the following Monday as a statutory holiday.īus terminals and long-distance trains are flooded with people making a short trip back to their hometowns during Seollal. For the year 2021, the official date of Seollal falls between 11th and 13th, February. As a rule of thumb, Soellal falls sometime in late January or February and the celebration usually lasts for about 3 days, usually including an adjacent Saturday. Unlike January 1st which is a fixed date for the celebration of New Year’s Day in many countries, official dates for Seollal vary every year. The first instance in Korean history where the Lunar calendar was used is also said to be back in the times of the Three Kingdoms. According to many studies, it is said to have originated all the way back around 2333 B.C., which marks the beginning of the earliest Korean kingdom. There are many studies and also rumors as to when Seollal was introduced to Korean society. While January 1st is designated as an official public holiday in Korea, Seollal (설날) is considered as one of the most important holidays in today’s Korean society. You might also be interested in: Korean Official Public Holidays in 2021 ![]() In this article, Expat Guide Korea will offer a cultural insight into what spending New Year looks like in Korea. ![]() While Seollal falls somewhere in late January or February instead of January 1st, there are so many more elements that distinguish the Korean New Year from the rest of the world. Seollal brings with it a memorial and reflective time in which families living in different parts of the country get together and express gratitude and appreciation to their ancestors and the elderly. On New Year’s Day - or Seollal (설날) - in Korea, things are a bit different. For others, it is the time to celebrate the end of a year and wish for the start of another wonderful year. What are some of the things that come to mind when you think of the New Year season? For some, New Year’s Day is a festive event that must entail fireworks and massive house parties with friends. Cover Photo Credit: Cadi Kazani A Complete Guide to Seollal - Korean New Year Culture and Traditions
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