On October 1, “Chuseok”– a harvest day was celebrated by ethnic and cultural association of Koreans of Astana.

In ancient times, the tradition of celebrating Chuseok was of key importance for Korea, as the main occupation of the locals of this country was agriculture. On this day, the peasants honoured their ancestors, thanked them for the rich harvest and celebrated the end of work in the field with their neighbours. Early in the morning of Chuseok, there is a custom to hold a ceremony of worship to the spirits of ancestors and bring them dishes and wine made from the products of the new crop. Such a ceremony is usually held twice a year: in the New year on the lunar calendar and Chuseok.

The event was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Kazakhstan Kim Dae-Sik, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Lee Heran, members of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan and elders of the ethnic and cultural association of Koreans.

“Korean holiday Chuseok is a Harvest Day, similar to Thanksgiving in the United States. On this day we thank nature and our ancestors. I think it is significant that the celebration of Chuseok and International day of Older Persons coincided in one day. The older generation plays an important role in the formation of society, as they cherish and preserve our traditions, culture, history and then transmit to the new generation.

It is important to note that Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and on this holiday the whole family gathers at the same table. This holiday is important for our nation, because despite the great employment the whole family is united on this day”, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Kazakhstan Mr. Kim Dae Sik said. He also noted that the ethnic and cultural association of Koreans in Astana is one of the most active and the Embassy is always ready to support them.

“Every year we celebrate Chuseok – thanksgiving day, the harvest holiday in Korea. On this remarkable day we gather our elders, congratulate them, give gifts and bring joy with a concert programme of our creative teams. From year to year, our teams are growing in the number of children. Children are very fond of Korean culture and traditions, this fact makes us very happy.

On this day people come to their parents’ houses to spend this holiday together. They dress national clothes “hanbok” and make a bow.

One of the most important and popular traditions of celebrating Chuseok is a trip during the holiday to the small homeland, in order to visit the ancestral cemetery and give a funeral repast of the ancestors.

In Korea “Chuseok” is celebrated for a week, we decided to celebrate this holiday on October 1 – the Day of elders, to congratulate our old people”, — head of the ethnic and cultural association of Koreans in Astana Roza Pak said.

Among the treats of the traditional Korean dishes were offered “chimpeni” – little round paired cakes, usually with a red flower in the centre, “chaltok” – sweet rice cakes, “kaduri” - Korean pastry straws, delicious treat that like both children and adults.

The guests enjoyed the concert programme, which was prepared by the folk vocal ensemble "Chen Ryu" and the dance group "Mison".

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Dana TUGAMBEKOVA

Дата события ассамблеи: 01.10.2018

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