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!