A Deeper Perspective of Chuseok

Chuseok (추석) or Korea's Thanksgiving Day is one of Korea's main and most important holiday that is celebrated between 3-4 days. Families from different places come home together to eat and enjoy as well as to give thanks to their ancestors. Quality time with family and preserving the cultural heritage, are the key for this special event.

The word Chuseok (추석) is also called Hangawi (한가위), Han (한) means big, and Gawi (가위) means The ides of the 8th lunar month or autumn which according to the lunar calendar, it's the best time for bountiful harvests, hence the reason why rites are performed during Chuseok.

(Photo Credits: Yonhap News)

Speaking of rites, every morning of Chuseok, families perform an ancestral rites called Charye (차례) which they prepare a table full of food and liquors and are served to their ancestors in gratitude for a good harvest. After the ceremony, families are able to enjoy thru a shared meal.

(Photo Credits: Korea Times)

Foods aren't only served in the table for no purpose. Every piece has its own meaning which are really important. Though nowadays, some families prepare their own special table for Chuseok, but these foods are still part of the basics.

The Three Vegetables (Bellflower, Bracken, Spinach): Prosperity

The root of the Bellflower represents the ancestors of the family, the Bracken as solidity of the parents who are in the present and the Spinach represents the future of the entire household.


Songpyeon: Bright Future

This type of rice cake is a traditional food that is made up of glutinous rice and is served every Chuseok. It became the popular symbol of their culture as Songpyeon already emerged during the Goryeon Period.


Apple: Love and Peace within the Family

Based from the yin-yang theory, red fruits are placed on the east side of the table and white fruits are placed on the west side of the table. The color of the apple from the outside also represents love while the inside represents peace.


Traditional Honey Cake: 5 Elements of the Universe

The five colors, red, blue, yellow, white and black from a honey cake represents the 5 elements of the universe. This concept comes from Buddhism.


Pear: Wisdom

In ancient Korea, people believed water symbolizes wisdom as it helps to cleanse people and develop wisdom. Pear has 89% of water hence, it became the representation for wisdom.


Chestnut: The three ministers of Joseon Dynasty

Chestnut represents the three ministers of Joseon Dynasty as it has 3 seeds inside. People put chestnuts on the table hoping for a family member to become a minister.


Jujube: King

The jujube on the other hand, has only one big seed which perfectly represents the King. It also represents a wish to increase the number of descendants.


Dried Fish: Spreading Descendants

Dried pollack and cod especially pollack lays a lot of eggs and it represents the wish for many descendants. All fish on the table should be placed on the right side with their head on the east and their tail on the west.


Liquors

Liquors are also served on the table together with a Korean pancake called, Jeon (전)

(Photo Credits: kookje.co.kr)

After Charye, families go together to visit their ancestors' graves, also called as Songmyeo (송묘).  They clear out the weeds that grew around the grave, a practice called as Beolcho (벌초). This is a sign of a continuous responsibility and devotion to their family.


Asides from the food and traditional rites, activities like Korean Wrestling and Korean Circle Dance are performed every year. 


Non-Koreans who wants to know the cultural rites of Chuseok, Seoul hosts a lot of activities for them. Korean Folk Village, Namsangol Hanok Village, Deoksugung Palace, National Folk Museum of Korea, The National Museum of Korea, and Jongmyo Shrine are open for everyone who wants to participate and learn more about this special event. 

New Boy Group, TRCNG Goes White in 'Spectrum' MV Teaser

The teaser showed glimpse of the members for the upcoming boy group, TRCNG (Teen Rising Champion in a New Generation). Wearing school uniforms and all white, the boys also showed the highlight of their powerful choreography. Meanwhile, The mini album, 'New Generation' is set to be released on October 10th. 

Check the teaser video below:

(Photo Credits: TRCNG Official Facebook)

Seventeen Arrives in Manila!

Just In! The lovely boys of Seventeen has safely arrived in Manila, today, October 2nd. Filipino Carrats (Name of their fandom) have been showing their excitement and happiness thru their social media accounts when the news broke out that Seventeen is here. The boys will be staying in Manila for their "Diamond Edge in Manila" concert that will be happening this coming Friday, October 6th at the MOA Arena. 

Meanwhile, Chuseok is around the corner so send some greetings for them and buy tickets while there's still time!

(Photo Credits: nationtv.tv)

It's National Foundation Day!

Today, October 3rd commemorates Korea's National Foundation Day. This annual event is celebrated in honor of Tangun and the establishment of the Choseon Kingdom in 2333 B.C which marks the beginning of Korean life and its society. 

The holiday is based from Tangun which according to the Korean Legend, was the son of a god and a bear-woman. Tangun was the first leader of the Korean people and created a government that established moral values and codes of behavior. He also taught the Korean people the way of living thru art, medicine and agriculture and have ruled the land for 1000 years before becoming a god.

Each year, a ceremony is held at the Chamseongdan altar located at Mt. Manisan on the southwestern point of Ganghwado Island, South Korea and the government recognizes it as a official public holiday.

(Photo Credits:  Moti Yehezkeli)

'Show Champion' Will Not Air On Chuseok

Music program, Show Champion will not be airing this week to give time for the celebration of Chuseok. The show which normally airs every Wednesday will take its break as Chuseok is also set this week, Wednesday. The government already announced a 10 day in observance of the upcoming holidays in Korea.

More time to spend for families and friends. Happy Chuseok Everyone!

(Photo Credits: MBC Music)

Topp Dogg Members To Participate Idol Reboot Program, "The Unit"

It's always a tough competition between Kpop idols as many of the aspiring trainees are debuting and there are already a lot of groups in the industry. While some of them are enjoying being in the limelight, some still finds it hard and a bit challenged towards to aiming their dream success. 

It is said that the remaining members, Hojoon, Sangdo, B-Joo, Xero and Yano are said to be competing for the upcoming KBS' Idol Rebooting Project, "The Unit". Meanwhile Atom will be on the group JBJ, a group of eliminated trainees from "Produce 101 Season 2" and will be debuting on October 18th. Hanus Entertainment has yet to announce Atom's future activities with Topp Dogg.

Prior to Topp Dogg's participation on the said program, their label also announced the departure of Nakta, P-Goon and Hansol, leaving the group with only 6 members. 

(Photo Credits: Topp Dogg Official)

"The Unit" To Fine Spoilers Prior To Broadcast

Audience members of the rebooting project, "The Unit" were asked to sign a contract to pay a fine of 100 million won if any spoilers from the recording were revealed. On September 29th, the first auditions and recording was held which took 5 hours long. A staff said, recordings were delayed due to hours of inspections and rehearsals and other idols on standby had to reschedule the following day. 

"The Unit" mentors, Rain, SHINee's Taemin, Hyuna, San E, Hwang Chi Yeol, Urban Zakapa's Jo Hyun Ah were also present during the recording and gave their heartful encouragement for the contestants.

Meanwhile, the show will be about the survival of Idols who have already debuted and aims to showcase the best idol unit to be chosen by the viewers themselves. It is said to have it's first broadcast on KBS' channel on the 28th of October.