May 5th is Children’s Day in Korea - a day to celebrate children. In Korea, parents take children to parks, zoos, etc… to celebrate the day. I found it interesting that these are the same things that my family has always done to celebrate our arrival days.

Last year, we didn’t do anything special. Since we have a tendency to lean towards spoiling our... more

Last year as I was writing about Korean holidays, I focused on the “official” Korean holidays. This year, for some reason, I started wondering how the Korean people celebrate some of the holidays that I celebrate. Are they the same? How are they different?

In my family, we’re getting ready for Easter. Easter was not listed on the Korean official holiday list, but I am aware that over half of Korea is currently Christian so I figured there had to be something out there about it. Here in the United States, Easter is often associated with the Easter... more

It’s Valentine’s Day and my son has enough sugar in him to hold him through Christmas. He was so excited to go to daycare today because they were having a party in his preschool room. At first he hated the move to preschool, but he’s settling in. We did have to stop in his old room to give Valentine’s to his friends that haven’t moved to the preschool room yet.

Anyhow, I thought I’d see if Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Korea. It turns out that the greatest Greeting Card Holiday of all is celebrated everywhere. In Korea, it’s celebrated a little... more

The Korean people celebrate both the calendar new year and the lunar new year. This year, the Lunar New Year celebrations will be on February 17, 18 and 19. The 18th will be the first day of the first new moon, but they also celebrate the day before and the day after. It is a time to visit your hometowns and pay respect to your ancestors’ graves.

Some things that you can do to celebrate the Lunar New Year:

1. See if there is a Lunar New Year party in your area. One of the organizations that I belong to (at least if I remember to pay... more

Part 1:

When I received the invitation to the party, I was immediately fascinated by the fact that there would be a Korean Santa Claus. What would a Korean Santa Claus look like? I was relieved when I wasn’t alone in my question. Everyone I mentioned asked me the same question.

So, when the announcement was made that Santa Claus was in the building, I made sure that I could see. I had dozens of expectations in my head and I’m afraid that... more

Chuesok is the Korean Harvest Moon festival. This holiday is scheduled on the lunar calendar so it will fall on a different day each year. In particular Cheusok is the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar; however, the day on either side is also celebrated. It is supposed to be a lot like the U.S. Thanksgiving, but with gifts and special games.

Someone sent me some great sites if you are interested about learning more.

Link: How to Set Up a Ritual Table... more

I missed another one. I’m not sure where my mind has been lately, but obviously not on Korean holidays. October 3rd is Foundation Day in Korea. Legend has it the god-king, Tan-Gun, founded the Choson kingdom in 2333 BC. It just boggles my mind that most of the countries out there can trace their history back so far. It’s fascinating.

For information on Tan-gun, here is a link. Link: The Legend of Tan-Gun. I love things like this. It’s why I spent a good portion of my youth buried... more

Okay, it’s been pointed out that I missed a Korean holiday. I apologize and will blame it totally on my crazy August schedule. Though truly, I just forgot it.

When I was in school, I studied August 15, 1945 as the day that the Japanese officially surrendered to the Allied nations. I studied it in high school and then again as a part of my history major in college. During that time, I made very little association with what that meant to Korea. Truthfully, when it came to Asian history, I preferred to study ancient history. It fascinated... more

In the United States, July means Independence Day. I love Independence Day. I like it on many levels. My majors in college were history and political science so I have a pretty deep rooted understanding of what they day stands for and I have a tendency to romanticize the democratic system.

Mostly I enjoy the 4th of July because it’s a big family time in my family. We go to my parents’ house and everyone watches the fireworks from their background. Depending on the year, it can be just our small family or it can be all of the aunts and uncles. Despite the mosquitos, it’s just a fun relaxing evening. Last year my son slept through the fireworks. It’ll be interesting to see what... more

It’s Memorial Day week-end in the United States. Memorial Day is a day to remember the soldiers that have fallen in combat, though I prefer to use it to remember everyone that has fallen in combat (military and civilian). My father served in Vietnam (which is why I’m here, but that’s another story). We hang the American flag from our houses, go to parades or ceremonies. In the United States, it really has two purposes. First we honor the fallen and, second, we honor family by getting together for picnics…parties…etc…

This Memorial Day week-end, will be busy... more