First Korean New Year Photo Session & Fun Facts

First Korean New Year Photo Session & Fun Facts

Did you know that today is the Korean New Year? Don’t worry, I didn’t either. It was only recently that this holiday was brought to my attention, by a sweet Korean mom at church. Only knowing her in passing, she approached me with the opportunity to dress up my daughter in traditional Korean “hanbok” formal wear. I mean how amazing for someone that barely knows me to reach out with such an amazing opportunity?

I was also reminded that today is the start of Lunar New Year, which would be perfect for me to blog about (she gives blog ideas too!). Seriously so excited to learn more about celebrating my first Korean New Year, I immediately plunged into a bunch of research and well, an adorable first Korean New Year photo session. Check out these Lunar New Year movies for kids!

Korean New Year Fun Facts

Celebration of the Korean New Year goes back as far as the early 1300s

The Korean New Year is the first day of the Korean Lunar calendar, generally the 2nd new moon after the winter solstice

The Korean New Year celebration lasts 3 days, the day before, the day of and the day after

The celebration of the new year is deeply rooted in family tradition. Many will travel back to their hometowns to be with parents and relatives for the holiday.

While the Korean New Year normally falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year, once every 24 years the day falls on the day after.

The Sebeh is a family rooted tradition performed during the new year, where the children respectfully bow to their elders. In return, the elders reward children with money in silken luck bags for good luck.

Games, traditional food and warding off of evil spirits are also a part of the 3 day celebration.

I think what shocked me the most about the Korean New Year was that there was very little if any talk about going into the streets, having a massive block party and celebrating with champagne and concerts and craziness. But the New Year stays at home, with family, respect and honor.

So while I might not be celebrating the Korean New Year in any traditional sense, I did give me children some money, kisses and a good dose of family tradition.

Do you celebrate the Korean New Year?

Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more of our family moments, reviews, giveaways and more.