While exploring the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival, I found out that this lunar celebration holds great significance across various Asian countries, each with its unique traditions. One celebrated by South Koreans (North Koreans also celebrate to a certain extent) is Chuseok. And interestingly, they eat something very similar to Mooncakes! Let’s dive into more details about this fascinating festival.
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok (추석) also known as Hangawi (한가위) is a major harvest festival celebrated in South Korea. It's a time for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors, and enjoy traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes). The festival is a gratitude for a good harvest and is generally considered as Thanksgiving.
When is Chuseok?
It's usually held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. In 2024, Chuseok falls from September 16th to 18th. These are the same days the Chinese will be celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival.
History of Chuseok
Although its origins are unclear, Chuseok's history dates back 2000 years, during the Silla Dynasty, before the Three Kingdoms Era. The name Chuseok-wol derives from the ancient Chinese Book of Rites. It's believed that the autumn traditional celebrations began following a month-long weaving contest where the losing team had to treat the winning team with food and drinks.
The ancestral rituals however are somewhat connected to Korea's agricultural history where ancestral memorial services were a display of gratitude for better harvest.
How do you celebrate Chuseok?
Chuseok is a very family-oriented celebration where family members visit ancestral graves and perform the "charye," ritual of memorial. Charye in Korea is a memorial service done during both Seollal and Chuseok.
Unlike Chinese festivals, you wouldn't see decorations and lanterns, but there will surely be dance parades in rural cities. People celebrate Chuseok by playing folk games like "ganggangsullae" (a traditional circle dance).
In addition to this, gift-giving also is a major tradition during this festival. Spam gift sets are apparently the most famous. During the festival month, many stores put up offers and gift packs specifically made for Chuseok.
Is Chuseok the biggest holiday in South Korea?
No, Seollal - the Lunar New Year celebration, is the most celebrated holidaySeollal, which falls on the first day of the Lunar Calendar, involves large family gatherings, traditional games, and rituals honouring ancestors, making it a more prominent cultural event compared to Chuseok.
How do you say Happy Chuseok in Korean?
You can wish in multiple ways. I've listed the simplest wishes (for friends and colleagues) and more formal wishes for elderly family members and seniors.
'Jeulgeoun chuseog doeseyo' - 즐거운 추석 되세요 (Have a Happy Chuseok)
'Pungyoroun Hangawi Bonaeseyo' - 풍요로운 한가위 보내세요 (Wishing you a bountiful Chuseok)
'Dangsinkwa gajok modu haengbokhago geonganghan Chuseok bonaeseyo' - 당신과 가족 모두 행복하고 건강한 추석 보내세요 (Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Chuseok)
'Ibeon Hangawi-edo neokneokhago pungseonghan Hangawi bonaesigil baramnida' - 이번 한가위에도 넉넉하고 풍성한 한가위 보내시길 바랍니다 (May you have a generous and abundant Chuseok this year as well)
What do you eat during Chuseok?
During Chuseok, families prepare and enjoy a variety of traditional foods, with songpyeon 송편 (half-moon-shaped rice cakes) being the most iconic.
Other dishes include jeon (Korean pancakes), galbi (marinated short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and an array of fruits and vegetables. These foods are often used in ancestral rituals to show respect and gratitude. The meals are rich and diverse, reflecting the abundance of the autumn harvest.
Who celebrates Chuseok?
Chuseok is widely celebrated in South Korea by people of all ages and backgrounds. This harvest festival is also observed in North Korea, though the customs may vary slightly. Korean communities around the world observe Chuseok, maintaining the tradition of honouring ancestors, sharing meals, and celebrating the harvest, regardless of their location.
Meanwhile, you'll find similar celebrations in China (Mid-Autumn festival 中秋节), Japan (Tsukimi 月見), and the United States (Thanksgiving), also observe Chuseok, maintaining the tradition of honouring ancestors, sharing meals, and celebrating the harvest, regardless of their location.
Is Chuseok the same as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
Yes. Both cultures celebrate their respective holidays, centred on the lunar calendar during the harvest cycle. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival centres around a unique legend involving a Moon goddess and is celebrated as a vibrant festival similar to Dragon Boat. In contrast, South Korea's Chuseok is more of a holiday dedicated to showing gratitude for the year's harvest and honouring ancestors.
Is Songpyeon similar to Mooncake or Mochi?
Songpyeon, although eaten during the Korean Mid-Autumn festival (Chuseok), it's more similar to Mochi than Mooncake as it uses rice flour. However, Mochi is made with Glutinous rice flour whereas Songpyeon is made with regular rice flour, so the texture of the two is different.
One can say Songpyeon is more like Snowskin mooncake.
What to Do as Foreigners During Chuseok: A Guide
Chuseok is one of South Korea's most significant holidays, and as a foreigner, there are several ways to celebrate the little festivities:
Take Part in Cultural Activities: Many cultural centres and museums host special events during Chuseok. You can participate in traditional games, learn how to make songpyeon (the iconic rice cake of Chuseok) or watch performances like folk dances and music.
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Visit Ancestral Rituals Sites: Although ancestral rituals, known as "charye," are usually private, some temples and cultural heritage sites may host public ceremonies. Observing these rituals can give you insight into the deep respect Koreans have for their ancestors and the importance of family in Korean culture.
Explore Tourist Attractions: Since many locals travel to their hometowns for Chuseok, popular tourist spots in major cities like Seoul or Busan are less crowded. Take this opportunity to visit palaces and other attractions with fewer crowds.
Try Traditional Foods: Chuseok is a time for feasting, and many restaurants offer special holiday menus. Try traditional Chuseok dishes like jeon (Korean pancakes), galbi (marinated ribs), and, of course, songpyeon. Some cooking classes may also teach you how to prepare these dishes.
Attend Festivals and Events: Some cities and towns hold festivals during Chuseok, featuring parades, markets, and cultural performances. These events are open to the public and offer a lively atmosphere filled with local traditions and customs.
Engage with Local Communities: If you have Korean friends or colleagues, Chuseok is an excellent time to deepen your connections. Some families may invite you to their celebrations, offering a unique glimpse into the holiday's traditions.
Conclusion
Chuseok may not be as glamorous as the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival, but it has its unique traditions worth experiencing. If you happen to travel to South Korea during Chuseok, don't forget to be part of the little celebrations cause you may never get to experience them in your home country.
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