- “Sol Nal” is the day when families gather to celebrate and enjoy life.
- During this day, we learn the importance of family. This is the day when we keep out
Korean tradition alive.
- “I have celebrated with my parents when I was young and my parents have celebrated
with their parents as well, it’s never ending.”
- “This is the day I lose a lot of money because I give them away to my children and
nephews and nieces.”
- “Sol Nal” is uaually celebrated on February 1 because of “Um Ryok” (Lunar Calendar)
but in America, our family celebrate on January 1.
- “Ttok Guk” is eaten on this day (rice cake soup).
- “During this day, children bow (Se Be) to older people (parents, uncles, aunts,
grandparents,etc…) Then we tell them to behave or do well this year and study hard.
(Dok Dam) and they listen and we give them money, usually depending on their age.”
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- Name calling is very important. If your grandfather’s name is Kim Chul Soo, When
you mention his name, you have to say “Kim cha Chul cha Soo cha”.
- “Sol Bim” – Learn what to do for “Sol Nal” (Clothes, food, and act for family)
- “Sol Nal” starts and can last till one or two weeks.
- People com visit, and gather.
- “Min Jok” is race. People leave from work where they live to gather in one place. Big
Movement. (Yi Dong). Usually meet at “Kun Jip” (Higher rank in family’s house)
Group’s high position also center (Joog Shim) person’s house according to age.
- The word “Sol” is only Korean, not Chinese, not Japanese.
- Traditionally, men’s side usually play “Je gi cha gi” (Game of kicking little feather-like
object made, “Yut Nol Yi” (Game of gambling), “Yun Nal Yi Gi” (Kite fighing).
- “Dok Dam”- Older generation talk to younger generation. Share life’s philosophy or
idea. Older generation gives younger generation money to buy school supplies, and
enjoy after the younger generation “Se Be” to the older generation.
- Since older generations have life experience, they tell one or two sayings about
life.
- Back in the days, during “Sol Nal” people reinsure family relation. Talk about
agriculture, etc. Most importantly enjoy the new years.
- The difference between US and Korea is
- Lunar Calendar
- “Se Be”
- Games played during this time
- Different food and way of preparation
- Sharing Wisdom