Kerry's Korean Adventure: Chuseok

     Today is Chuseok, also known as Hangawi (great middle of August). Chuseok is the biggest and most important holiday in Korea. It is a time when Korean families come together to share food, stories, and to give thanks to their ancestors for the abundant harvest. The exact origin of Chuseok is not determined; however, it can be traced back to ancient religious practices that centered around the moon and the lunar calendar.
      During Chuseok, Korean families will honor their ancestors and present a food offering, during a memorial service. The families also visit ancestoral graves, called Seongmyo. While at the grave sites, they will clear away any weeds that have grown in over the summer season.
     My students celebrated Chuseok on Monday. They came to school dressed in their Hanboks (traditional Korean attire).  They started class with a presentation on the history of Chuseok. Next, they played Tuho, a traditional arrow-throwing game. After lunch, my students made songpyeon. Songpyeon is a rice cake filled with either seasame seeds, red beans (paste), or chestnuts. They are usually about the size of a golf ball.
     The students also played jegichagi, a game similar to hacky sack. The students created a shuttlecock, made of coins wrapped in paper, with feathers attached. The shuttlecock must be kept in the air, using nothing but one's foot.
     My expierence with Chuseok has been wonderful. I recieved multiple gifts from my students. These gifts consisted of Songpyeon and pastry desserts. I was thankful that I was able to try a traditional rice cake. It is actually quite tasty. The outside is a little doughy, but the inside is filled with red bean paste or chestnut cream. I also have three days off from work. It is tradition that Koreans celebrate the days before and after Chuseok.