TRADITIONS
LUNAR NEW YEARS
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY
CHUSEOK
IS THIS COUNTRY A SECULAR COUNTRY?
CRITICAL THINKING
- Koreans do not use red ink when writing papers such as cards because they believe it's a way of telling them to die or they're already dead.
- Koreans practice traditional dances based on reliegions from years ago, these dances are performed during big holidays, dances may vary based on religion
- upon entering houses, you must remove your shoes
- during new years, Korean's hide all their shoes because they believe ghosts come down and if they find a pair they like, the owner of that pair of shoes will become unlucky for the rest of the year
LUNAR NEW YEARS
- Korean New Year's is based on the lunar calendar and the new year begins with the first day of the lunar calendar (Jan 31st as of 2014). It's celebrated because this is the first day of the new year and many believe it brings good luck and fortune. During this time of year many people spend the 3-day holiday (which can be longer) with their families and relatives. Families that are more traditional perform dances and rituals. Koreans also dress in traditional apparel called "hanbok". Children can be seen playing traditional games made for the holiday while adults and elders are seen talking to one another.
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY
- Buddh's birthday falls on May 6th of 2014. This holiday is usually celebrated to show their respect and honor to the Buddhist religion as it has played a huge role on Korean history. South Korea is made up of a large amount of Buddhist's so during this time of year, the country is filled with latterns as they are used to indicate the birth of Buddha. Many Buddhist followers visit temples and monasteries. On occasions like this, temples will serve free vegetarian food and tea.
CHUSEOK
- Chuseok can also be known as the Korean Thanksgiving or the celebration of good harvest. September 8th marks the day for Chuseok in 2014. Chuseok in Korea is one of the biggest holidays after Korean New Years so many people are given the day off. Chuseok is a one day holiday but because of the festivites, it may last 3 to 7 days long. The day starts out with a traditional meal cooked and made as offereings to ancestors. The food is later then taken to the dining table where it is served to the family.
IS THIS COUNTRY A SECULAR COUNTRY?
- South Korea is a very secular country. Almost half of the country is irreligion. That being said, it leaves both Buddhism and Christianity the two biggest religions in South Korea. Religious activities are practiced in places that are permitted.
CRITICAL THINKING
- These holidays and traditions reflect off of the culture because it shows how the country still sticks to it's traditional roots. South Korea is now a very modern country. Koreans are able to show who they are through these celebrations. They're celebrate these holidays filled with pride and joy not only on their culture but their country as well.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Chuseok." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 May 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"CHUSEOK: Korean Thanksgiving (KWOW #103)." YouTube. YouTube, 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"Customs and Traditions of the Korean New Year." About.com Korean Food. About.com, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"Korean Dance." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"Chuseok." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 May 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"CHUSEOK: Korean Thanksgiving (KWOW #103)." YouTube. YouTube, 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"Customs and Traditions of the Korean New Year." About.com Korean Food. About.com, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.
"Korean Dance." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2014.