Today, we will take a look at one of Korea's most representative holidays, Chuseok(추석), a traditional celebration deeply rooted in Korean culture.
1. Overview
Chuseok (추석, 秋夕), also known as Hangawi(한가위), is a traditional Korean holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, during the full moon. Along with Seollal (설날, Lunar New Year), it is one of the most important national holidays in South Korea. The holiday spans three days, including the day before and after Chuseok. Traditionally, it is a time when families come together to honor their ancestors through ancestral rites (차례), visit ancestral graves, and share meals in celebration of the autumn harvest.
2. The Meaning and Traditions of Chuseok
2.1. The Significance of Chuseok
Chuseok is an important holiday for giving thanks to one's ancestors and praying for a good harvest. Unlike Thanksgiving in the United States, Chuseok is celebrated before the harvest, marking its significance as a time of gratitude and hope. With the development of agricultural technology, Koreans now enjoy an abundance of food during Chuseok, making it one of the most prominent holidays alongside Seollal.
2.2. Traditional Customs of Chuseok
Many traditional customs are observed during Chuseok, varying slightly by region. The most common include making and eating songpyeon (송편, rice cakes), performing ancestral rites, and visiting ancestral graves (seongmyo 성묘). Additionally, traditional folk games such as ganggangsullae (강강수월래, a traditional circle dance) have been passed down through generations. The focus of Chuseok customs is family gatherings, sharing food, and honoring ancestors.
2.3. Homecoming During Chuseok
During Chuseok, millions of Koreans travel to their hometowns in a cultural practice known as gwiseong(귀성). With over 10 million people on the move each year, major highways become highly congested, especially those leading from the capital region to the provinces. In recent years, however, more parents have traveled to the Seoul metropolitan area to visit their children, slightly reducing congestion in the city. Additionally, displaced families visit Imjingak(임진각) or Unification Observatories near the North Korean border to honor their lost hometowns.
3. History
The origins of Chuseok trace back to the Silla(신라) Dynasty, with records in the Samguk Sagi(삼국사기) stating that Chuseok originated as a festival called Gabae(가배). During this time, women held weaving competitions, while men participated in archery contests. Chuseok remained a significant national holiday throughout the Goryeo(고려) and Joseon(조선) dynasties, with royal ceremonies and feasts. The current three-day Chuseok holiday has been observed since 1989.
4. Chuseok Stress
Chuseok, like other major holidays, can also be a source of stress for many people in South Korea. This phenomenon, known as holiday syndrome, includes several major stressors, which are outlined below.
4.1. Holiday Syndrome
Holiday syndrome refers to the emotional stress and physical exhaustion caused by the preparation for Chuseok. Common sources of stress include the preparation of food for ancestral rites and the pressure of family gatherings. The demands of preparing traditional dishes and hosting extended family members often create a heavy burden, especially for women.
4.2. Driving Stress
Long-distance driving is a significant source of stress during Chuseok. With traffic congestion and extended travel times, drivers experience physical and mental fatigue. Traveling with young children can exacerbate the situation, making holiday journeys more stressful.
4.3. Family Conflicts
Family gatherings during Chuseok can sometimes intensify family conflicts. Topics such as employment, marriage, and child-rearing often lead to comparisons and judgments, which can be particularly burdensome for singles, job seekers, or those preparing for major exams.
4.4. Holiday Meal Services
In modern society, some families alleviate the stress of preparing Chuseok meals by using holiday meal services that provide traditional food. While these services reduce the burden, some criticize them as lacking the sincerity traditionally shown in preparing meals for ancestors.
4.5. Students' Holiday Stress
For high school seniors preparing for the college entrance exam (Suneung 수능) or university students nearing graduation, Chuseok can be a stressful time. Many high school students forgo homecoming to study for their exams, while others struggle with balancing midterm exam preparations with holiday activities.
4.6. Military Personnel and Overseas Students
Soldiers and overseas students often face the challenge of being unable to spend the holiday with their families. While soldiers continue their duties in military bases, students studying abroad are unable to return home, missing out on the celebrations.
5. Solutions for Holiday Stress
Chuseok stress arises from the clash between traditional family values and modern lifestyles. To alleviate this stress, there is a need for a more flexible approach to tradition, as well as the creation of new holiday customs that align with contemporary life.