October 31, 2006

It is Halloween Day and the kids entered the building screaming, yelling and jumping around in excitement, finally dying down just moments ago. As I write the children are being transformed into cats by the talented hands of Wendy and Kelly, who both do arts and crafts activities with the kids. I am amazed by how efficiently they work, how quickly but with such skill and precision. They both take their work very seriously, and I admire their work ethic. By the time I finish this post, each child will sport a black triangle on his of her nose with white dots. They will be dressed in black (black tights with a short sleeved black top) with a long black tail attached to their backs and a red bow tie around his or her neck.

Being around children everyday, though sometimes tiresome, is a true wonder. Children are just so naturally full of joy and practically every little thing excites them. They are an inspiration to me. I awoke this morning in a great mood myself, knowing that today would be a party day and I would not have to teach at all--no kindergarten classes, no elementary classes. Sometimes I need a break. But when I look into the faces of the kids, I find myself thinking about how lucky they are. Every day they get to play and have fun, with no worries about paying the bills, or what's going to happen tomorrow. But they don't have any idea--they live in the moment. That's what makes them so joyful.

It is the week of Chuseok here in Korea, and the mood was festive at the school yesterday. Chuseok is Korean Thanksgiving, a two-day holiday that takes place on the first Thursday and Friday of October. During this time, families get together, and much like American Thanksgiving, eat a big feast and give thanks to their ancestors, as well as their living relatives. Many of the little kindergarten girls arrived at school dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean costume worn by women on this holiday. This is a long, kimono like dress, with a full skirt and long sleeves. They can be worn with headdresses and come in all different combinations of colors. The girls looked just like little women wearing them. The children spent the morning making songpyeon, or rice cakes, which are small, donut like desserts made from rice flour dough. I joined in on the fun, taking pieces of the already prepared dough, rolling them into balls in the palm of my hand, and pressing holes in the middle with my thumb. Then I took a spoonful of sesame sugar, put it into the hole, and sealed it into the shape of a crescent. I went from class to class, rolling ball after ball of songpyeon. When all the classes were finished, the songpyeon were steamed by the school cook and set aside for snack time, at 2pm when the kids gobbled them down like they were some kind of delicacy. Even though they were fun to make, I found them rather tasteless and doughy, though the sesame sugar gave them a light sweetness that I appreciated.

The children spent part of the day practicing a bowing ritual, led by one of their Korean teachers, in Korean, therefore making it difficult to understand. One of my English speaking Korean co-workers informed me that Koreans bow to their relatives and deceased ancestors on Chuseok, as a way of showing reverence. One can read about the traditions and customs of another country in books, but to be a part of it--to be there--is simply one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced. Today is also a holiday in Korea--it is National Foundation Day. The legendary founder of the country, Tangun was born on October 3rd in the 2nd century B.C, which means I have the day off, in addition to tomorrow, Thursday and Friday! I get a much needed break from the sounds of screaming children!