Introducing Korean Thanksgiving: Chuseok

Every culture has its own unique way of expressing gratitude and celebrating the harvest season. In Korea, Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is a significant and cherished holiday that brings families together to honor their ancestors, share delicious food, and express gratitude for the year's bountiful harvest. This annual event holds a special place in the hearts of Koreans, as it showcases their deep-rooted traditions and cultural values.

* NOTE: Chuseok, in addition to Lunar New Year, is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Korea (3 day holiday).  

Chuseok, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, usually corresponds to late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar (holiday falls on September 29 this year). This harvest festival has its roots in ancient agrarian society, when the Korean people depended on the land for their sustenance. Today, Chuseok is celebrated as a time to pay respects to ancestors, reunite with family members, and appreciate the abundance that nature provides.

An essential aspect of Chuseok is the practice of ancestral rites. Families gather at their ancestral homes to pay homage to their forebears by performing rituals called "Charye." A special table is prepared with offerings of freshly harvested foods, rice cakes (songpyeon), fruits, and other dishes. This table is a symbolic way of inviting the spirits of ancestors to join in the festivities and partake in the meal.

Chuseok is marked by various customs that bring joy and unity to Korean families. One of the most recognizable traditions is the making and sharing of songpyeon. These half-moon shaped rice cakes are stuffed with fillings like sesame seeds, sweet red beans, and chestnuts, then steamed over pine needles, imparting a delightful fragrance.

In addition to songpyeon, Chuseok is a time for families to engage in folk games and activities. One such game is "Ganggangsullae," a circle dance performed by women under the bright full moon. This joyful dance embodies the spirit of communal harmony and celebrates the season's abundant harvest.

Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving Day, is a time-honored celebration that exemplifies the deep cultural values and traditions of Korea. It's a period of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, as families gather to honor their ancestors, enjoy delicious food, and revel in the beauty of the harvest season. As Koreans across the world come together to celebrate this special occasion, they continue to preserve and pass on the rich heritage of their ancestors.