Sep 29, 2023
Chuseok 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Chuseok, a three-day harvest festival treasured in Korea. It takes place during the largest full moon of the year, the harvest moon. The holiday is also called Hangawi, which refers to the middle of autumn on the Lunar calendar, giving this day another nickname, the mid-autumn festival.
A memorial service called charye kicks off Chuseok for many families. People gather in their homes to honor and thank their ancestors with words, thoughts, and an assortment of food. Songpyeon, a half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with seeds, nuts, or beans and steamed over pine needles, is typically included (like the one seen in today’s Doodle artwork!). Another family-focused custom is seongmyo, visiting the burial grounds of one's ancestors. Many visit the graves and remove weeds a short while before the holiday, so the visit can be devoted to showing respect and appreciation for past generations.
Playful games, presents, and feasts are a large part of Chuseok. Some common games and activities include a circle dance game known as Ganggangsullae, a form of Korean wrestling called ssireum, and juldarigi, a tug-of-war game played with thick ropes made of rice straw. Gifts are traditionally given to older family members, but more recently, other relatives and friends exchange oil, cosmetics, wine, or food to show appreciation.
Happy Chuseok! Chuseog Jal Bonaeseyo! 추석 잘 보내세요!
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