10 February - Korean New Year

 

The Korean New Year, known as "Seollal" (설날) in Korean, is a significant and traditional holiday celebrated in South Korea and by Koreans around the world. Seollal is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which places it between late January and mid-February. This year it is on 10 February.

Key features and customs associated with the Korean New Year (Seollal) include:

1. Family Gatherings: Seollal is a time for family reunions, and it is one of the most important times for family members to come together. Many Koreans make an effort to return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families.

2. Ancestral Rituals (Charye): Families pay respects to their ancestors through a ritual called "charye." This involves setting up a special table with various offerings, such as traditional foods, fruits, and beverages, to honor deceased family members.

3. Sebae (New Year's Bow): Younger members of the family perform a deep bow, called "sebae," to their elders as a gesture of respect and good wishes for the new year. In return, they often receive blessings and gifts, including money in special envelopes called "sebaetdon."

4. Traditional Foods: Special foods are prepared for Seollal, including "tteok" (rice cakes), "jeon" (pan-fried or grilled dishes), and other festive delicacies. Tteokguk, a soup with sliced rice cakes, is commonly eaten to symbolize gaining a year in age.

5. Hanbok (Traditional Clothing): Many Koreans wear traditional clothing called "hanbok" during Seollal. Hanbok is characterized by vibrant colors and elegant designs, and it holds cultural and symbolic significance.

6. Games and Activities: Families engage in various traditional games and activities, such as "yutnori," a board game, and "neolttwigi," a seesaw game.

7. Visiting Ancestral Graves: Some families visit the graves of their ancestors to perform rituals and pay their respects.

8. New Year's Day Events: Public events, parades, and cultural performances are organized in various places, providing an opportunity for people to celebrate together.

Seollal is a time of reflection, family bonding, and looking forward to the future. It is one of the most important and cherished holidays in Korean culture, and the celebrations can last for several days. The exact date of Seollal varies each year based on the lunar calendar.