Celebrate 설라름 Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year
In this post we’ll learn about 설라름 Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year celebration. This is one of the most significant traditional holidays celebrated in Korea. Seollal is about family gatherings, rituals, and festivities. It’s much more than a change of calendar. Seollal is a time for honoring ancestors, reinforcing family bonds, and wishing for a prosperous year ahead.
History and Significance of Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year
Seollal’s origins trace back centuries to Korea’s adoption of the lunar calendar, influenced by Chinese traditions. The holiday embodies Confucian values, particularly filial piety and respect for elders. According to tradition, actions taken during Seollal set the tone for the year ahead. So the holidays is a time of reflection and preparation.
The significance of Seollal extends beyond personal wishes. It fosters community spirit and cultural continuity. Seollal is an opportunity to honor one’s roots, pass down traditions, and reconnect with loved ones despite the challenges of modern, fast-paced life.
Celebrations and Traditions of Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year
Seollal typically lasts three days: the day before, the day of, and the day after. Families often travel long distances to their hometowns to reunite with relatives. The celebrations begin with thorough house cleaning and preparations for ancestral rituals.
One of the most iconic Seollal traditions is 차례 charye, a memorial service to honor ancestors. Families set up an elaborate table with carefully arranged offerings, including fruits, traditional dishes, and beverages. After paying respects through a series of bows, they share the food as a symbol of unity and gratitude.
Another beloved custom is세배 sebae, where younger family members perform deep bows to their elders and wish them good health and fortune for the coming year. In return, elders offer blessings and often 세배도너 sebaetdon, or gift money in small envelopes.
Seollal is also a time for playing traditional games. 윷놀이yutnori, a board game played with wooden sticks, brings families together in friendly competition. Other activities include연날리기 yeon-nalligi (kite flying), playing 제기차기 jegichagi (a game where people kick a shuttlecock to keep it aloft), and spinning 팽이paengi (tops).
During Seollal, it is customary to greet others with 새해 복 많이 받으세요. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. (Wishing you lots of blessings in the New Year.) This phrase embodies the spirit of goodwill and hope that defines the holiday.
Special Foods of Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year
Food plays a central role in Seollal celebrations. The highlight of the holiday feast is 떡국 tteokguk, a hearty soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes in a flavorful broth. This is often accompanied by meat or vegetables. Eating 떡국 tteokguk is symbolic. According to tradition it adds a year to one’s age and represents a fresh start.
Other dishes commonly prepared for Seollal include 전 jeon (savory pancakes), 잡채 japchae (a noodle dish), 갈비집galbijjim (braised short ribs), and a variety of side dishes called 반찬 banchan. Each dish holds cultural significance and is made with care to honor the occasion.
Modern Celebrations
While traditional customs remain cherished, modern Seollal celebrations often incorporate contemporary elements. Urban families may opt for smaller gatherings, and some traditions have adapted to fit today’s lifestyles. Still, the essence of Seollal—family, gratitude, and hope—remains unchanged.
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Image source: Wikimedia Commons
