Language/Korean/Culture/Korean-Weddings
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn about Korean wedding traditions, from the engagement ceremony to the post-wedding rituals. You will learn key expressions and vocabulary used in Korean weddings.
Weddings in Korea are an important milestone in the lives of couples and their families. They are events that bring together family members, friends, and acquaintances to celebrate the couple's union. Korean weddings have a rich history and involve various cultural practices that can be fascinating to learn about.
Engagement Ceremony
In Korea, the engagement ceremony is known as 'Paebaek'. The Paebaek ceremony typically takes place in the bride's house, and it is a meeting of the two families before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride and groom pay respects to their parents by bowing to them while wearing traditional Korean clothing. The groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family, typically in the form of money or goods. The exchange of gifts symbolizes the joining of the two families.
During the ceremony, family members also throw nuts and dates into the bride's skirt. The number of nuts and dates caught in the skirt is believed to represent the number of children the couple will have. After the ceremony, the bride and groom are officially engaged.
Traditional Korean Wedding Attire
The traditional Korean wedding attire is known as 'Hanbok'. Hanbok is a graceful and colorful attire that is worn during special occasions, such as weddings.
The bride and groom typically wear the 'Hwarot' during the wedding ceremony. The Hwarot is a type of Hanbok that is embroidered with flowers and birds to signify happiness and love.
Wedding Ceremony
Korean wedding ceremonies can be quite different from Western wedding ceremonies. The wedding ceremony typically involves a series of rituals and traditions that are symbolic and meaningful.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom bow to each other and exchange wedding rings. They also hold a small, wooden duck between them, representing peace, fidelity, and fertility.
After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds participate in the 'Pyebaek' ceremony, where they bow to their parents and present them with cups of alcohol. The parents sip the alcohol and provide the couple with words of advice for their future.
Post-wedding Rituals
After the wedding ceremony, there are several post-wedding rituals that the couple participates in. One of these is the 'Napchae' ceremony, where the bride visits the groom's family and brings them gifts.
Another post-wedding ritual is the 'Geumbok' ceremony, where the couple visits the bride’s family and presents them with gifts. The gift-giving symbolizes that the couple is no longer only part of the groom's family but also part of the bride's family.
Vocabulary
Here is some vocabulary related to Korean weddings:
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
결혼 | gyeolhon | Marriage |
신랑 | shinrang | Groom |
신부 | shinbu | Bride |
부부 | bubu | Married couple |
웨딩드레스 | wedingdeureseu | Wedding dress |
호주머니 | hojumeoni | A pouch for money gifts |
전통혼례 | jeontonghonnye | Traditional wedding ceremony |
새신부 | saesinbu | New bride |
새신랑 | saesinrang | New groom |
꽃계단 | kkotgyedan | Floral stairs |
Conclusion
Korean wedding traditions are a fascinating part of Korean culture. The engagement ceremony, traditional wedding attire, wedding ceremony, and post-wedding rituals are all significant parts of a Korean wedding. Learning about them can deepen your understanding of Korean culture and language.
In the next lesson, you will learn about Korean festivals and their significance.
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