The origin of the traditional Korean holiday Seollal.
Seollal, according to the lunar calendar, falls on the first day of the first month, where families pay respects to their ancestors, offer deep bows to relatives and elder neighbors, and receive well-wishes and pocket money in return.
The exact origin of Seollal is uncertain, but it is said to have originated from the wish for a smooth transition into the new year without any mishaps.
"There was Magpie's Seollal the day before yesterday. Ours, our Seollal, is today."
The children's song "Seollal," most frequently heard during Seollal, marks its 100th anniversary this year. It was composed by Yun Geuk-yeong, the first Korean composer of original children's songs, in 1924.
Representative Seollal foods include tteokguk (rice cake soup), mandu (dumplings), galbijjim (braised short ribs), jeon (pan-fried dishes), and various namul (seasoned vegetables).
Seollal signifies the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, with connotations of 'newness' and 'unfamiliarity.' Some suggest that just as Sera'beol became 'Seoul,' signifying a new era, Seollal evolved from terms like 'Saeranal' (new day) or 'Seoranal' (new day) to its current form. Seollal dishes are referred to as 'sechan' and the alcohol served is called 'seju,' with tteokguk being the quintessential dish.
Tteokguk is believed to add a year to one's age with each bowl consumed, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
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