What Koreans do during the Korean Thanksgiving Feast

Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok) Feast Traditions

Introduction

Korean Thanksgiving, known as Chuseok, is one of the most significant and highly celebrated traditional holidays in Korea. During this time, families gather to pay respects to their ancestors, express gratitude for a bountiful harvest, and share a festive meal together. Let's explore what Koreans typically do during the Korean Thanksgiving feast.

Preparations

1. Cleaning and decorating homes: Families thoroughly clean their homes to create a welcoming atmosphere for their ancestors. Traditional home decorations, such as colorful paper lanterns, are hung to signify a joyful celebration.
2. Preparing ancestral rites: Families also set up an ancestral altar, known as "Charye," where food offerings are placed to honor and remember deceased ancestors.

Ancestral Rituals

1. Charye (Ancestral Rites): Families gather around the ancestral altar to perform a ritual honoring their ancestors. They offer various foods, fruits, and rice cakes (songpyeon) as a way of expressing filial piety and seeking blessings from their ancestors.
2. Seongmyo (Visiting Ancestors' Graves): Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and maintain them. They offer food, burn incense, and perform traditional bowing rituals to show respect and express gratitude.

Chuseok Feast Food

1. Songpyeon (Half-Moon Rice Cakes): These rice cakes are a staple of the Chuseok feast. They are made with glutinous rice, filled with a variety of ingredients like sesame seeds, beans, and chestnut, and steamed on a bed of pine needles.
2. Galbijjim (Braised Short Ribs): Succulent and flavorful, braised short ribs are a common main dish during Chuseok. The meat is marinated and slowly simmered with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices until tender.
3. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles): Japchae, made with sweet potato glass noodles, assorted vegetables, and marinated beef, is a popular side dish. It showcases a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and flavors.
4. Jeon (Assorted Pan-Fried Delicacies): Jeon refers to various savory pancakes or fritters made with vegetables, seafood, or meat. They are enjoyed as a traditional appetizer during the Chuseok feast.
5. Fruit, liquor, and tea: Fruits, especially Korean pears and persimmons, are commonly served as a light dessert. Traditional liquors, like rice wine (makgeolli), and various herbal teas complement the meal.

Gathering and Celebrations

1. Family Reunions: Chuseok is a time for family members to come together, regardless of geographical distances. Relatives from different cities or even countries gather to celebrate and strengthen family bonds.
2. Traditional Games and Performances: Families engage in various traditional activities, such as playing Yut Nori (a traditional board game), making crafts, and enjoying folk music and dance performances.
3. Thankful Conversations: During the feast, family members express appreciation for one another and share stories about their daily lives and achievements.
4. Exchange of Gifts: It is customary to exchange gifts, known as "Chuseokseon," as a token of affection and gratitude. Traditional gifts may include health products, fruits, clothes, and more.

Conclusion

The Korean Thanksgiving feast is a time of deep reverence, gratitude, and celebration. It brings families closer and nurtures a sense of tradition and cultural identity. Through ancestral rites, delicious food, and joyful gatherings, Koreans celebrate and honor their heritage during this special holiday.