I have already introduced you to Chuseok. But today I will go into the detalls. Chuseok was originally known as Hangawi. Hangawi means "great middle." Chuseok has other names as well. It signifies a big day of gathering in the middle of August. Gabe means the same thing. Historically and according to popular belief, Chuseok originates from Gabae. Gabae started during the reign of the third king of the kingdom of Silla.
Chuseok is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. A variety of folk games are played on Chuseok to celebrate the coming of Autumn and a rich harvest. Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food, including songpyeon, or half-moon-shaped rice cake, and tteokguk, or rice-cake soup. Other dishes commonly prepared are japchae, bulgogi and fruits.
I like Chuseok because this is when I receive money. Adults first bow to the young ones, and then present them with New Year's cash gifts. Chuseok brings some difficulties, too. Men must make long drives back to their hometowns, sometimes as long as 5 hours. Women spend a great deal of time preparing the feast of songpyeon, tteokguk japchae, bulgogi and fruits.
But all the work is well worth the wonderful family gathering!
Chuseok is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. A variety of folk games are played on Chuseok to celebrate the coming of Autumn and a rich harvest. Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food, including songpyeon, or half-moon-shaped rice cake, and tteokguk, or rice-cake soup. Other dishes commonly prepared are japchae, bulgogi and fruits.
I like Chuseok because this is when I receive money. Adults first bow to the young ones, and then present them with New Year's cash gifts. Chuseok brings some difficulties, too. Men must make long drives back to their hometowns, sometimes as long as 5 hours. Women spend a great deal of time preparing the feast of songpyeon, tteokguk japchae, bulgogi and fruits.
But all the work is well worth the wonderful family gathering!