When to Celebrate Korean New Year 2017: Dates and Traditions Revealed
One of the highlights of Korean New Year is the preparation of “Tteokguk” or rice cake soup, which symbolizes gaining another year of age. Families often spend hours making this dish, which consists of sliced rice cakes in a clear broth with vegetables and beef.
So, when is Korean New Year 2017? This year, Seollal falls on Saturday, January 28th. Koreans typically celebrate the holiday for three days, with the day before and after the lunar New Year being national holidays.
The celebrations begin on the day before Seollal, known as “Little New Year,” when Koreans perform ancestral rites and prepare for the festivities ahead. On the day of Seollal, families wake up early to dress up in traditional clothes or “hanbok” and bow to their elders.
After the bowing ceremony, families enjoy a delicious meal and play traditional games such as “Yutnori” or “Jegichagi.” Children receive “Sebaetdon” or pocket money from their elders, usually in bright, new bills.
Statistics show that over half of the Korean population travel to their hometowns during the holiday season to be with their families. It is also a popular time for Koreans living abroad to return home and connect with their roots.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way Koreans celebrate Seollal this year. The government has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings, and to celebrate the holiday at home with their immediate family.
Despite the restrictions, Koreans are finding innovative ways to celebrate Seollal online and through virtual events. It is heartwarming to see the resilience and creativity of the Korean people during this challenging time.
In conclusion, Korean New Year or Seollal is a time of joy, family, and tradition. It is a time to reflect on the past year and welcome another year with hope and optimism. So, mark your calendars for January 28th, and celebrate this beautiful holiday with your loved ones in spirit.
"When Is Korean New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
The Korean New Year, known as Seollal, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in Korea. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. The Korean New Year is a time when families come together to celebrate and honor their ancestors while looking forward to a new beginning.
When Is Korean New Year 2017?
This year, the Korean New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th. It is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese Zodiac, which is also celebrated in Korea. This means that people born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be honest, hardworking, and courageous.
The Importance of Seollal
Seollal is a time for Koreans to pay respect to their ancestors by performing ancestral rites called Charye. It is believed that the spirits of the ancestors return to the living world during Seollal, so families prepare elaborate meals and set up ancestral altars to honor them. Ancestral rites are performed on the morning of Seollal, and then families share the food that was prepared with their ancestors as well as other traditional delicacies.
Beyond ancestor worship, Seollal is also a time for families to come together and spend time with each other. Many people go back to their hometowns or visit relatives during this time, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Seollal Traditions
In addition to Charye and family gatherings, there are several other traditions that are observed during Seollal:
- Sebae: This is a traditional bowing ceremony where younger family members pay respect to their elders. The elders sit in a row while the younger generation bows to them and wishes them a happy New Year. In return, the elders give blessings and advise for the coming year.
- Tteokguk: This is a traditional soup made with rice cakes and beef broth. It is a must-have dish during Seollal as it symbolizes starting anew with a clean slate.
- Yutnori: This is a board game that is played by four people. The aim of the game is for each team to throw sticks and move their markers around the board. Yutnori is often played during Seollal as a way to pass the time and bond with family members.
- Hapnot: This is a traditional kite-flying game that is popular among children during Seollal. The bright colors and bold designs of the kites are said to chase away evil spirits.
Conclusion
Korean New Year is an important event that symbolizes a fresh start for many Koreans. The holiday is steeped in rich traditions and customs that help connect them to their history and culture. If you are in Korea during Seollal, take advantage of the opportunity to experience the unique festivities and immerse yourself in the country's rich cultural heritage.
When is Korean New Year 2017? A Comparison
Introduction
As the world marks yet another new year, the Koreans do it uniquely. They celebrate two New Year's! The first is on January 1st, which is the same as the rest of the world. The second celebration, however, takes place according to the lunar calendar, making it different each year. In this article, we explore the dates and differences between the Gregorian and Lunar New Year in Korea.Gregorian New Year in Korea
The Gregorian New Year, commonly known as January 1st, is a public holiday in Korea. As expected, it falls on the same day as the rest of the world. During the day, people gather with friends and family, and celebrations revolve around fireworks, count-down parties, and good food.Date: January 1st
The Gregorian New Year, marked on January 1st, is the same in Korea as it is in every other country worldwide. Despite the date being the same, the celebrations that are held differ from country to country depending on the culture.Lunar New Year in Korea
Marked by the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the Korean New Year, popularly known as Seollal, is usually celebrated between the end of January and mid-February. It is a significant festival for the Koreans, second only to Chuseok - the Harvest Festival.Date: January 28th, 2017
The Korean New Year, based on the Lunar calendar, takes place on January 28th, 2017. This year, it coincides with the Chinese New Year too. During this period, families come together to perform traditional rituals like ancestral worship and eating Tteokguk, a rice cake soup that symbolizes longevity.Comparison: Gregorian vs. Lunar New Year in Korea
Here is a comparison between the two New Year's celebrated in Korea:| Aspect | Gregorian New Year | Lunar New Year |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Solar (Gregorian) calendar | Lunar calendar |
| Date | January 1st | January 28th, 2017 |
| Significance | Celebrated globally | Second most significant festival in Korea |
| Rituals | Fireworks, count-down parties | Ancestral worship, eating Tteokguk |
| Celebrations | Around the world | Korea, China, and Vietnam among others |
| Festivities | Western-style festivities | Traditional Korean celebrations |
| Greetings | Happy New Year | 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Sae-hae bok-man-i ba-deu-se-yo) |
Opinion
While both New Year's are significant to Koreans, the Lunar New Year holds more cultural and traditional value. It is a time for families to come together, share meals, and pass on traditions to younger generations. The Western-style festivities of the Gregorian New Year are gradually becoming more popular, but it still has a ways to go before it overtakes the Lunar New Year's cultural significance.Conclusion
In conclusion, while the world comes together on January 1st to celebrate the new year, Korea has another special day that is based on the lunar calendar. Both New Year's are celebrated differently in Korea, with the Lunar New Year holding more cultural value than the Gregorian New Year. Nevertheless, both are important, and people in Korea celebrate both.When Is Korean New Year 2017?
Introduction
Korean New Year, also known as Seollal, is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. In 2017, it falls on Saturday, January 28th. This holiday is celebrated not only in Korea but also by Koreans living around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Korea or just want to learn more about this holiday, keep reading for some tips on how to enjoy Seollal!History and Cultural Significance
Seollal has been celebrated for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It’s an important time to pay respect to ancestors and family members. One popular tradition is to perform ancestral rites called “charye” at home or in temples. This involves setting up a table with food and drinks for ancestors and bowing deeply.Another significant part of Seollal is spending time with extended family members. Many Koreans travel long distances to gather with their relatives and share big feasts. Children often receive money from elders as a New Year’s gift called “Sebeh” or “Sae-hae bok-mah-ni ba-du-sey-yo” which roughly translates to “Please give me many blessings this year.”Preparing for Seollal
If you plan to visit Korea during Seollal, it’s important to know that many businesses and public transportation will be closed or have limited hours during the holiday. Try to make arrangements for travel and accommodations in advance to avoid any inconvenience.It’s also important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Wearing traditional clothing called “hanbok” is common during Seollal. Many Koreans also wear bright colors as a symbol of good luck and fortune for the new year.Enjoying Seollal Festivities
During Seollal, many communities hold cultural events and performances to celebrate the holiday. Attending these events is a great way to learn more about Korean traditions and customs. You can also participate in games and activities such as “yutnori” which involves throwing wooden sticks.Food plays a big part in Seollal celebrations. Traditional dishes such as “tteokguk,” a rice cake soup, and “jeon,” a savory pancake, are commonly eaten. Many families also prepare special foods like “yakgwa,” a sweet fried cookie, and “mandu,” a steamed dumpling.Greetings for Seollal
If you’re celebrating Seollal with Koreans, be sure to learn some greetings and phrases in Korean. The most common greeting is “Sae-hae bok-mah-ni ba-du-sey-yo” which means “Happy New Year!” You can also say “Se-heh bok-mahn ee pah-doo-sheep-see-yo” which means “I wish you a prosperous new year.”Distinguishing Seollal from Chinese New Year
Seollal and Chinese New Year are often confused with each other because they are both based on the lunar calendar. However, there are some differences in tradition and date. Seollal typically falls earlier than Chinese New Year and focuses more heavily on family and ancestor worship. It’s important not to mix up the two holidays, especially if you want to wish Koreans a happy Seollal!Conclusion
Korean New Year, or Seollal, is an important and enjoyable holiday for Koreans and visitors alike. By understanding the significance and traditions of this holiday, you can fully appreciate and participate in the festivities. Whether you choose to celebrate with family, attend cultural events, or try traditional food, Seollal has something for everyone.When Is Korean New Year 2017?
As the year 2016 comes to an end, many people are wondering when they can celebrate the start of Korean New Year in 2017. In Korea, the beginning of the New Year is a very important holiday that is steeped in tradition and customs that date back thousands of years. Koreans celebrate their New Year according to the lunar calendar, which differs from the solar calendar that most countries use.
So, when is Korean New Year in 2017? In Korea, it is celebrated on January 28th. This day marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is also known as Seollal. Koreans celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and joy, just like most other countries around the world.
To many people, Korean New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, forgiveness, family, and abundance. It is a time to sweep away the old and welcome the new. Koreans observe this special day typically by returning home to their families, cooking traditional foods, playing games, performing ancestor worship and other meaningful rituals, and enjoying each other's company.
In traditional Korean culture, there are a few customs that are observed during the Korean New Year. For instance, children traditionally bow to their elders, saying Seh Bok Mani Baduseyo, meaning Please give me lots of money or Happy New Year. Adults will then hand candy or money to the children in return. This tradition stems from the idea of wishing a happy and prosperous year to the younger generation.
Another popular custom that originated from Confucianism is playing a game called yut nori. In this game, players throw four sticks, and depending on how they land, must move their pieces across a board. This game has been played for thousands of years and is still beloved and cherished to this day.
Another custom that is observed is the special type of food that Koreans eat during the New Year. Traditional dishes such as rice cake soup (ddeokguk), are popular during this festive season. The long cylinder shape of the rice cake in the soup represents a long life, and Koreans believe that by eating it they will gain another year's worth of life. Koreans also eat foods such as glutinous rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, fried pancakes (jeon) with various fillings, and fish cakes (odeng).
Other customs and traditions such as cleaning houses, ancestor worship, wearing traditional clothes called hanbok, and visiting relatives are all part of the Korean New Year celebration as well. Also, many Koreans watch the ceremonies like bell-ringing events, which take place in traditional places around Korea like Bosingak Pavillon or Jegi-dong Bell in Seoul.
As we head into the New Year, it is safe to say that Korean people all over the world are gearing up for this special occasion with their friends and family. While the customs may seem unusual to foreigners, they play an important role in Korean culture and society.
In conclusion, Korean New Year, also known as Seollal, is a significant event for the Korean people. Celebrated on January 28th next year, it marks the first day of the lunar calendar, where Koreans celebrate by observing various spiritual and non-spiritual practices. It is a time for reflection, reunions, and renewals. So, if you happen to be in Korea during this time, be sure to experience the unique customs that take place during this joyous time.
From our team at [Blog Name], we wish you a happy Korean New Year and a great year ahead!
When Is Korean New Year 2017?
What is Korean New Year?
Korean New Year, also known as Seollal, is the first day of the lunar calendar. It is a significant traditional holiday celebrated by Koreans worldwide.
When is Korean New Year 2017?
Korean New Year in 2017 falls on Saturday, January 28th.
How is Korean New Year celebrated?
Korean New Year is usually a time for families to come together and carry out various traditions and customs. Here are some of the common ways it is celebrated:
- Preparing and sharing traditional meals such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and jeon (pancakes)
- Bowing to ancestors and elders as a sign of respect
- Playing traditional games like yunnori and jegichagi
- Giving and receiving money gifts in newly created crisp bills called sebaedon (세뱃돈)
Is Korean New Year a public holiday?
Yes, Korean New Year is a public holiday in South Korea. Most businesses and schools will be closed, and public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule.
What are some other important dates during the Korean New Year period?
Here are some other notable dates during the Korean New Year period:
- Jisancheng - January 21, 2017
- Saenuri-nal - January 27, 2017
- Seollal - January 28, 2017
- Jeongwol Daeboreum - February 11, 2017
- Boknal - July/August (date varies depending on lunar calendar)
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