궁금했던 표현들 #19. 추석 관련 표현

#1. 추석에 성묘에 가서 잡초도 뽑고, 잔디도 새로 심고, 절하고 행복을 빌어!

In Korea, we have a major national holiday called 'Chuseok,' often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving. It's a time of  family gatherings and honoring our ancestors. One of the most significant traditions during Chuseok is visiting our ancestors' graves. This isn't just a simple visit; it's a profound act of respect and remembrance. We start by clearing away any overgrown weeds from the tomb to show care and upkeep. Sometimes, we even plant fresh grass to ensure the grave remains green and well-tended. After the maintenance work, we bow to the grave in a traditional manner and offer prayers. These prayers aren't just a sign of respect to those who came before us, but they're also pleas for the continued health, happiness, and well-being of the living family. While it might seem unfamiliar or even somber to some, for us, it's a deep-rooted cultural practice that signifies respect, continuity, and the importance of family."

#2. 옛날에는 음식 준비도 많이 했는데 이제는 간단하게 해!
(1) "In Korea, when we bow and offer prayers to our ancestors during Chuseok, it's customary to also present a variety of foods as offerings. In the past, the diversity and abundance of these food offerings were seen as crucial. It symbolized not only our respect for the ancestors but also our gratitude for their sacrifices which allowed us to be where we are today.
However, as times have changed, so too have the practices surrounding Chuseok. Today, the offerings have become more simplified. This isn't solely because people view the ceremony with less reverence, but also because of changing societal dynamics, particularly concerning gender roles. Traditionally, the responsibility of preparing these elaborate food offerings fell to the women in the family. But with the rise of women's rights and their roles expanding beyond domestic spheres, it's become less common for women to shoulder the entire burden of these preparations.
This evolution in Chuseok practices mirrors the broader shift towards gender equality in Korean society. While traditions are important, it's also vital to recognize and adapt to the changing roles and expectations of individuals in contemporary society."

 

(2) "In Korea, when we bow and offer prayers to our ancestors during Chuseok, it's customary to present a variety of foods as offerings. Historically, the richness and variety of these offerings held immense significance, symbolizing our respect and gratitude to our ancestors.
While it is still common for women to shoulder the responsibility of preparing these offerings, the nature of the preparations has evolved over time. In the past, it was expected that a wide array of dishes be homemade, requiring significant effort and time. Nowadays, in the face of changing societal dynamics and with the rise of women's rights, there has been a shift towards simplifying these offerings. It's not unusual for families to opt for fewer dishes or even purchase ready-made offerings from supermarkets, similar to meal kits. This lightens the burden traditionally placed on women, reflecting a subtle but important change in acknowledging their roles and rights in contemporary Korean society."

#3. 음식을 해먹는것 보다는 사먹는게 더 싸고 맛있어.

"Buying ready-made dishes is not only more convenient and cost-effective but, on occasion, can even taste better than home-cooked meals."

"Buying ready-made dishes is not only more convenient and cost-effective, but in most cases, they can even taste better than home-cooked meals."
 

#4. 추석 시즌에는 주말까지 껴서 해외여행 가는 사람들도 있는데, 나는 한 번도 안 해봤어.

"Chuseok is a three-day holiday in Korea, and its timing can often extend the break. For instance, if Chuseok falls on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the vacation can stretch into the weekend, making it a five-day break. Many people seize this opportunity to travel abroad. However, I've never taken such a trip, primarily because my dad is quite traditional and wouldn't be in favor of it. Additionally, ticket prices tend to skyrocket during the Chuseok season, making travel more expensive."