The Republic of Korea seems to be celebrating a lot of happy occasions in May. It started off with Children’ Day which was a holiday, on May 5, followed by Parents Day yesterday, May 8, with two more to follow, Teachers Day on May 15 and Buddha’s Birthday on May 21.
Today, May 9, is Mother’s Day in other parts of the world. So to all Mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day. May you spend a happy and blessed day with your loved ones today. And as usual, the florists, the gift shops and restaurants owners will be laughing all the way to the bank.
한국의 여러분 모두에게 축하 학부모날!
Actually I should have wished the mums and dads of Korea ‘happy parents day’ yesterday because they have done away with Mother’s Day and Father’s day and come out with a new Parents Day as a combination of the two. This was done to make the fathers feel that they are not alienated. Parents Day is meant to commemorate the combined efforts of the parents in bringing up their children. Though it is not a national holiday like Children’s Day, Parent's Day is still deemed as one of the special days in South Korea's yearly calendar. On this day many museums and parks are open for free.
It is the day when children express gratitude to their parents through gifts and other tokens of love. Parents are the epitome of love and affection. It’s roses for Valentine’s Day and what do you think is the flower associated with Parents Day in the ROK? Parents' Day is celebrated there by giving a red carnation, and then followed by presents. On this day, children spend time with their parents, doing things which their parents love to do. These are the traditional and the conventional form of paying gratitude to their parents.
Although the basic idea of designating a special day for parents was inspired from overseas, filial piety has long been an inseparable part of traditional Korean society.
The Lotus Lantern Festival on Buddha’s Birthday falls on 21st May but many events/activities will begin a week earlier than that day and at different temples. Here is the program lined up in case you are interested.
You can see an exhibition of traditional lanterns from May 14 until May 23 at the Bongeunsa Temple.
Want to learn how to make paper lanterns? Here’s how:-
On May 15, between 7.00 – 9.00pm. the street in front of Jogyesa Temple in Insadong will come to life with exciting stage performances and a colorful parade of performers to celebrate the eve of the festival(Yeondeungnori.)
Experience firsthand multiethnic culture and festivities by joining in the Buddhist Street Festival, on May 16 from noon till 7.00pm in the street in front of Jogyesa Temple.
There is a performance stage where different kinds of performances like the Korean Folk Music and Dance, Traditional Buddhist Dances, Foreigners Traditional Dancing Show and the Techno Dance and Singing Contest for teenagers will be held.
There’s a different section for the Lantern Making. Here one can learn to make an 8-sided lantern and pray for ones wishes, in addition to many other cultural experiences. After one has made a lantern one can bring it along to participate in the Grand Lantern Parade on the evening of May 16.
There are many booths where one can learn to play traditional games, make lanterns, and make Buddhist rosaries and rubbings of Buddhist Sutras. Other activities include face painting and the tasting of Buddhist temple food.
So if you happen to be in Korea during this period, don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the festivities, it’s so much fun.
Special thanks and appreciation to the following
Photos and articles © courtesy:
http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=46485
http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/eotl.asp
http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/bsf.asp
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