Korea’s lunar calendar is rich with traditional celebrations, and among them, Jeongwol Daeboreum (정월대보름), or the Great Full Moon Festival, holds a special place. Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival is steeped in customs that aim to ensure health, prosperity, and protection from misfortune for the coming year.
Do Other Countries Celebrate January 15th, Too?
While Korea celebrates Jeongwol Daeboreum, neighboring countries observe similar festivals with distinct customs. The dates are the same, January 15th of the lunar calendar.
China’s Yuanxiao Festival (元宵节):
In China, the 15th day of the first lunar month is known as the Yuanxiao Festival or Lantern Festival. The term “Yuan” (元) signifies the first month, and “Xiao” (宵) means night, highlighting the festival’s nighttime celebrations. A hallmark of this festival is the lighting and appreciation of lanterns, symbolizing the illumination of the future and the expulsion of darkness. Additionally, the Chinese indulge in sweet glutinous rice balls called tangyuan (汤圆), which represent family unity and completeness.
Japan’s Koshōgatsu (小正月):
Japan’s Koshōgatsu, translating to “Little New Year,” is also observed on January 15th. Traditionally, this day was marked by rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest. One notable custom is the consumption of azukigayu, a red bean porridge, believed to repel evil spirits and bring good fortune. Over time, especially after the Meiji Restoration, many of these customs have been adapted to the Gregorian calendar, and the observance of Koshōgatsu has sadly diminished in prominence.
Vietnam – Tết Nguyên Tiêu
In Vietnam, the 15th day of the lunar calendar is known as Tết Nguyên Tiêu (節元宵), largely influenced by Chinese traditions. Buddhist temples are particularly active on this day, as many people visit to pray for good fortune. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense are common, and vegetarian dishes are often eaten.
Vietnam’s Tết Nguyên Tiêu is more temple-centered, focusing on spiritual purification and prayers rather than communal feasting or physical health rituals like nut-cracking (bureom) of Korea.
Taiwan – Lantern Festival (元宵節)
Taiwan also celebrates the Yuanxiao Festival, but with its own unique twists. One of the most famous events is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where people release paper lanterns carrying handwritten wishes into the night sky. In Taitung, a dangerous but exhilarating custom called the Bombing of Master Han Dan involves throwing firecrackers at a man representing the God of Wealth, a practice believed to bring prosperity. Taiwan’s emphasis is on lanterns and symbolic fire rituals to invite fortune rather than expel misfortune.
Distinctive Aspects of Korea’s Jeongwol Daeboreum:
Korea’s Jeongwol Daeboreum is characterized by unique practices that emphasize communal harmony and individual well-being. The festival’s customs are deeply rooted in agrarian beliefs and the rhythms of rural life. Activities such as daljip Taeugi (달집태우기), where large bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits, and jisinbalgi (지신밟기), a ritual involving the stamping of the ground to pacify earth spirits, reflect a profound connection to nature and the land.
Koreans are fun people. We handpicked four traditional plays that Koreans played on January 15th of the lunar calendar.
Daljip Taeugi (달집태우기, Bonfire Burning): Ever wanted to burn away bad luck? During Jeongwol Daeboreum, people gather in the evening to burn a large pile of wood called a daljip, symbolizing the destruction of any misfortune that may have followed them into the new year. It’s a fiery way to say, “Good riddance, 2024!”
Jishin Balgi (지신밝기, Earth God Dance): No, this isn’t a dance-off – it’s the traditional “earth god dance” where people make noise by stomping their feet and singing to drive away evil spirits. Imagine a street party with a bit of a spiritual twist. The louder the better, as it’s believed to bring good harvests and protect the land.
*Jishin Balgi (Source: Yonhap News)
Jibul Nori (쥐불놀이, Fire Rat Game): If you’ve ever had the thrill of lighting sparklers, jibul nori is like that on an electrifying scale! Fireballs tied to strings are swung around to chase away rats, which are symbolic of bad luck. This fun fire activity is a great way to add some spark to the evening.
Juldarigi (줄다리기, Tug of War): Picture a tug of war but with the entire neighborhood involved. In Korea, this isn’t just about winning – it’s about coming together as a community to ensure a good harvest and a peaceful year. With both teams pulling with all their might, it’s a battle of strength, willpower, and community spirit.
Food to Eat on Jeongwol Daeboreum
Back in the day, Jeongwol Daeboreum was basically a grand feast day—a chance to eat well and play hard, using whatever was available during the long winter months. Nuts were a big part of the spread, but so were all kinds of dried greens, which must have been a much-needed burst of flavor after months of pickled and preserved foods. And, of course, there was a practical side to it all—stuffing yourself with nutritious food was a smart way to prepare for the grueling farming season ahead.
Ogokbap (Five-Grain Rice): Think of this as the ultimate power bowl of its time—glutinous rice, millet, sorghum, black soybeans, and red beans all mixed together. Why five grains? Simple. Farmers back then took the best of their autumn harvest and ended up with a mix of five staples, which became tradition. Fun fact: Since glutinous rice is used instead of regular rice, you need less water when cooking it.
*Yakbap, a healthy and nutritious rice mix with chestnuts
Gwibalgisool (귀밝이술 or 이명주, Ear-Clearing Liquor): This one’s fun. Imagine waking up on Jeongwol Daeboreum, cracking open some nuts, and immediately chasing them down with a shot of ice-cold rice wine. The name says it all—“ear-clearing liquor.” People believed it sharpened hearing, prevented ear infections, and, most importantly, ensured that only good news would reach you all year. And before you ask—yes, even kids got a tiny sip.
*Korean nuts and Gwibalgi Sool (or Ear-Cleaning Liquor)
Patjuk (Red Bean Porridge): Red bean porridge isn’t just for the winter solstice—it makes a comeback on Jeongwol Daeboreum too. Why? The same reason—warding off evil spirits. Since red beans were thought to have protective powers, a bowl of this was like an edible good luck charm. Plus, if you were already making five-grain rice, you had the red beans on hand anyway—might as well put them to good use. Red beans and legumes were linked to spiritual protection even in a far away country, Italy. In some regions, they were placed in homes or eaten during specific times of the year to guard against bad luck and spirits, particularly in connection with agricultural festivals and ancestral rites. Maybe the East and the West were connected through red beans in fighting evil spirits?
One also fun thing about food on Jeongwol Daeboreum is that Koreans refused to eat kimchi, the most well known Korean food. They traditionally believed that consuming kimchi on this day could cause skin ailments, making the body feel itchy. Additionally, eating baek-kimchi (white kimchi) was thought to turn one’s hair prematurely gray, while consuming dongchimi (radish water kimchi) was believed to cause moss to grow in rice paddies, leading to a failed harvest. As a result, kimchi of all kinds was deliberately left off the table on this particular day.
Philosophical Underpinnings of Jeongwol Daeboreum Traditions
The customs of Jeongwol Daeboreum are imbued with philosophical significance.
It’s about harmony with nature. Practices like daljip Taeugi and jishin balgi underscore a harmonious relationship with natural elements, seeking balance and protection. Korean Jeongwol Daeboreum traditions are also about community solidarity. Koreans practiced collective activities, such as communal feasting and group games, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support among community members. Koreans also wished for Health and Prosperity. Rituals like consuming ogokbap (five-grain rice) and cracking bureom (nuts) are believed to promote physical health and attract prosperity, reflecting a holistic approach to well-being.
Contemporary Observance of Jeongwol Daeboreum in Korea
In modern Korea, while Jeongwol Daeboreum may not command the same level of attention as in the past, certain traditions persist. Many households prepare and consume ogokbap and assorted namul (seasoned vegetables) during this period. Supermarkets often offer special promotions featuring these traditional ingredients, making it convenient for families to partake in the culinary customs of the festival. Some organizations and community centers host events or provide traditional foods to employees and members, keeping the spirit of the festival alive in contemporary settings.
Jeongwol Daeboreum remains a testament to Korea’s rich cultural tapestry, reflecting values of health, prosperity, and communal harmony. While modern lifestyles have transformed its observance, the festival’s enduring traditions continue to offer insights into the nation’s historical relationship with nature and community. Engaging with Jeongwol Daeboreum customs provides a meaningful connection to Korea’s past and an appreciation for its cultural heritage.