Chuseok Celebration - a joint event with Asia House

On September 16th the Anglo-Korean Society and friends of Asia House were given a presentation on the meaning of Chuseok by Dr. Charlotte Horlyck, Lecturer in the History of Korean Art at SOAS.

A Chuseok table

We learned that Chuseok had it's roots in Confucianist Ancestor worship and a bountiful harvest which are inter-linked, for in many agrarian based societies there is a direct link between showing respect to ancestors and being blessed with a favourable harvest. In a lively post talk discussion a number of those present noted that in their own cultures, such as in Latin America and elsewhere, ancestors must not be forgotten and the best of the harvest's foods are offered first to one's family line.

Dr Charlotte Horlyck speaking
at Asia House

Family activity at this time is close, to strengthen family bonds further still. Dr. Horlyck noted the special foods served at this time such as songpyeong, which are crescent shaped rice cakes that are steamed on a bed of pine needles and filled with beans, chestnuts and jujube, and some of the special family games played to strengthen familial relationships.

The Korean full moon festival and summer harvest is linked to similar celebrations in China and Japan where moon cakes are eaten and household shrines to ancestors are given special prominence in the households where they are kept in the most respected part of the house.

Afterwards we were treated to delicious Korean food to help us celebrate the mood of the Chuseok festival.

With thanks to Dr Ruth Taplin

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More pictures from the evening

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Charlotte explains a point to AKS member Martin Harvey

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50 Years of Friendship, Understanding and Cultural Exchange 1956-2006