The festival of Seollal (Hangeul: 설날), marking the entry in the lunar new year (at a variable date according to the years, but always between on January 21st and on February 20th), is one of the principal Korean traditional festivals (with Chuseok), whose celebration continued, in spite of prohibition, under Japanese occupation of Korea.

Dependant on the worship of the ancestors, Seollal lasts three days: that of the new year, day before and the following day.

The Koreans return visit to their families in their native area: having adorned the traditional clothes, they are inclined ( jeol ) in front of their parents as a sign of respect. The old ones pronounce the " then; wishes of bonheur" , and give money to the children in reward of the jeol . The families go then on the tombs of their ancestors.

Traditional dishes are prepared, like Teokguk or Manduguk. The men play the traditional plays or kite.

In 2006, Seollal was held from January 28th to 30th, and into 2007 February 17th, 18th and 19th.

References

• Presentation of bank holidays and the traditional festivals in [[South Korea] on the Tour2Korea site]
• Presentation of Seollal on the site of the hearth Midsummer's Day

Category: Korean culture