The citizens of Republic of Korea today celebrated the Chuseok Festival.
Chuseok is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated. It is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is held around the Autumn Equinox. Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food as a celebration of the good harvest, according to Wikipedia.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Republic of Korea as they celebrate Chuseok Festival.
Ms. Clinton stated that the fall harvest festival is a time to celebrate Korean’s rich culture and heritage with family and friends.
“Much like our Thanksgiving, when Americans gather to honor family and tradition, Chuseok is also an opportunity to give thanks for our many blessings. On this special day I wish all Koreans and their loved ones a joyous celebration.” -Ms. Clinton
Prominent folk games are played on Chuseok to celebrate the coming of Autumn and rich harvest. The villagers dress themselves to look like a cow or turtle, and hop go from house to house along with a Nongak band playing music. Other common folk games played on Chuseok include tug of war, archery, and Korean wrestling. Folk games also vary from region to region. The Ganggangsullae dance, forming a circle under the moon is performed by women and children in southwestern coastal regions.
