Jeongwol Daeboreum

A woman performs a traditional dance in front of a large bonfire, or "daljip," to celebrate "Jeongwol Daeboreum" beside Omokgyo Bridge in Yeongdeungpo-gu, western Seoul, Thursday. "Jeongwol" is the first month of the lunar calendar and "Daeboreum" is its first full moon. Korea Times photos by Yoon Sung-won

Traditional ways of celebration continues

By Yoon Sung-won

On Thursday evening, many gathered around the large bonfire, or "daljip," to celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum beside the Omokgyo Bridge in Yeongdeungpo-gu, western Seoul.

"Jeongwol" and "Daeboreum" means first month by lunar calendar and big full moon, respectively.

Gazing at the blazing fire, grandparents, children and young couples all made wishes of happiness and well-being throughout the year.

Thursday was the eve for the day that comes around the fifteenth day of the first lunar calendar month.

Koreans traditionally burned "daljip," or a pile of sheaves and wood chunks, to drive away bad luck and to wish good fortune.

People gather around "daljip," a large pile of sheaves and wood chunks prepared for a bonfire. In Jeongwol Daeboreum tradition, people leave a note bearing wish in the dalzip to burn and drive away bad luck and bring good fortune.

But many are concerned that the tradition of Jeongwol Daeboreum, or great full moon, is fading, being overshadowed by the Feb. 14 St. Valentine's Day.

The concern loomed again this year as the two holidays fell on the same day. Among younger generations in particular, St. Valentine's Day has increasingly replaced Jeongwol Daeboreum as the biggest holiday in February. Also, despite its genuine tradition in the western culture, the day has been repeatedly pointed out to be tarnished by clever sales gimmicks in Korea.

The night before Jeongwol Daeboreum, children played a game called "jwibulnori," whirling a can filled with charcoal fire blazed in it to burn dry grass in a belief that these cans protect the new crops.

Next to the burning "daljip," children excitedly tried whirling blazing cans, wondering what the game is for. No grown-ups there could make the city-bred children understand the game's meaning that is strongly based in an agricultural lifestyle.

No matter how much these children seemed to enjoy, it is still doubtful if the tradition will continue while they don't really grasp why they are doing it.

People perform a traditional ritual "daribabki," a custom that prays for health in the year, at the National Folk Museum of Korea in Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Baskets of peanuts, walnuts and chestnuts are prepared for "bureom," which refers to the nuts people eat at Jeongwol Daeboreum in the belief they will be protected from boils and toothache for the year.