Chuseok The Korean Traditional Holiday
Chuseok, translating to “autumn evening,” is a Korean festival observed during the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest. Known as Hangawi in Korean and often called the Korean Thanksgiving in English, this harvest festival is a time for families to gather and honor their ancestors. The holiday spans three days: Chuseok itself, along with the day before and the day after. It is the most significant traditional holiday in South Korea.
Historical backround of chuseok
Chuseok is believed to have originated from Gabae, a month-long weaving competition during the reign of the third king of the Silla kingdom (57 BC – AD 935). In this contest, two teams competed, with the victorious team being rewarded with a feast by the losing team. The celebration also included archery competitions and martial arts demonstrations. Additionally, many scholars suggest that Chuseok has roots in ancient shamanistic harvest moon rituals, where new harvests were offered to local deities and ancestors. In some regions, if there is no harvest, the festival is either postponed or not observed at all.
The cultural Significance of chuseok:
Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, is the most significant holiday in Korea. During this time, families visit relatives to share meals and express gratitude. A traditional part of the celebration is making and exchanging rice cakes. Even as international students, we receive rice cakes from our university annually. Additionally, we enjoy a three-day holiday for Chuseok.
Festive & Activities:
On Chuseok, numerous activities are enjoyed. In the morning, families pay tribute to their ancestors with memorial services known as charye and visit the graves of their loved ones. During these ceremonies, offerings of food and wine made from fresh fruits and newly harvested crops are presented. Additionally, traditional Korean entertainment and folk games, such as samulnori (a traditional percussion quartet), talchum (mask dance), ganggangsullae (Korean circle dance), and ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling), are performed. Foreigners are welcome to participate in these activities. The Chuseok holiday exudes a festive atmosphere.
Traditional Food Of The chuseok :
The most traditional and iconic food of Chuseok is songpyeon, a crescent-shaped rice cake filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, honey, chestnuts, or sweetened red bean paste. The crescent shape of songpyeon represents the moon, and the act of families gathering to make these rice cakes is a beloved tradition. Songpyeon is available in various colors, achieved using natural dyes from different vegetables and ingredients.
Songpyeon Recipe :
Ingredients:
For Basic White Dough:
- 2 cups of frozen wet rice flour or freshly made rice cake flour
- 4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of boiling water (use less if using homemade flour)
Note: To achieve different colors, use various boiled vegetables or fruits.
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rice flour. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of boiling water and stir with a spoon. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, begin kneading the dough by hand.
- Knead the dough using the heel of your hand for about 5 minutes. If the dough feels dry, add approximately 2 teaspoons of boiling water, adjusting as needed. The dough should be pliable without breaking easily, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for five minutes.
- Set up a workspace with the prepared fillings and doughs. Have a small bowl of water nearby, along with a tray covered with plastic wrap or foil for the songpyeon.
- Take a piece of dough and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Gently press the center with your fingers to form a small bowl shape. If the dough cracks, dip your fingers in water and add a bit more moisture to the dough. Repeat this process as necessary.
- Fill the dough bowl with your chosen filling, making sure to fill it generously.
- Carefully pinch the edges of the dough to form a crescent-shaped songpyeon.
- Place each songpyeon on the tray, ensuring they do not touch. Keep them covered to maintain moisture.
- Repeat the process using different colored doughs and various fillings.
- Line the bottom of a steamer with pine needles. If pine needles are not available, a silicone mat or cheesecloth can be used.
- Arrange the songpyeon in the steamer, close the lid, and steam for 12 minutes.
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