The Korean New Year is a National Holiday and Festival that marks the first day of the Korean Calendar. Research has shown that the Holiday originated from the Lunisolar Calendar. The Korean New Year is also called Seollal and various activities take place on that day. It is one of the most important Holidays in Korea and it usually lasts up to three days. The three days include; the Day before the New Year, the New Year Day, and the Day after the New Year. Many Korean Visit their Families, Friends, and relatives to celebrate the season with them. Ancestral Rite is performed, Traditional Food is prepared and Folk games are played.
In addition, on the Korean New Year, Children often receive gifts and a token of Money from their elders after performing a formal bow. Mainly, Korean New Year or Seollal usually falls In January or February on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Unless there is an Intercalary 11th or 12th Month in the lead to the Korean lunar new year. When this happens, the New Year will then fall on the third new moon after the Solstice. This Holiday as stated is one of the most important traditions in Korean holidays. Keep reading through this article, to learn more about the Seollal.
Brief History of the Korean New Year
According to research, the Korean New Year is a cultural holiday that has its roots in traditional Chinese Confucianism and is usually celebrated on the First Lunar of the Korean Calendar. It is a special and unique Tradition in Korea that was influenced by China and is based on the lunar cycle. Twelve Animals represent each year and the cycle is repeated every 12 years. These animals include; Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Dragon, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The order of each animal is believed to be based on the sequence in which they were invited to see Buddha. Also, they believe that the animals that represent the year that a baby is born will attribute certain characters to the baby. Therefore, many parents plan their childbirth in accordance with this belief.
When is Korean New Year in 2022?
The Korean New Year for 2022 will take place on February 1 on a Tuesday. On this day, several activities and traditions will be carried out. Most especially People use the season to celebrate with their Family, Friends, and Relatives by hosting a big feast and event. It serves as Family reunions for many and they also get to use this season to share gifts and a lot more. They also get to Play Folk games and eat different Korean traditional food. You can start booking your Visa in advance for the Korean New Year Lunar Festival. And to wish others a happy new year in this season, you say “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” or please receive a lot of luck in the New Year. You can gift Korean gifts like Fresh fruit, honey, gift basket, Ginseng, cash, and more.
Why is Seollal Important?
There is so much Importance to the Korean New Year. The celebration helps to bring unity to the family and is a great joy to all. They get to perform different traditions and rituals together. Seollal also stands out to be a time of reflection and hope. It signifies the end of the year and the beginning of a new one with expectations for a great and better year ahead. Korean uses the period or season to pay respect to their family member and ancestors and is common practice for the day. Lastly, it provides the younger children the opportunity of getting gifts from elders and it increases love and respect among all.