Chuseok (추석) Korean Thanksgiving Day

Moon says it's the 15th day of the 8th month.
Time to say, thank you, ancestors,
For this year's harvest day.
Three days of honor begin;
The days grow shorter as, winter comes,
Nights grow longer,
I pray for a warm winter.
Squirrels bury their food in holes under the grass,
Look for hollowed-out trees so fast.
Korean Harvest Moon Festival,
Long holiday break at last!
Traffic jams all day,
Visit my childhood home this traditional day,
Clean up my grandma and grandpa's graves,
Cutting weeds, branches and grass.
Hi grandma and grandpa,
Please accept these gifts of food, soju and flowers.
I bow down to honor you.
Young and old women dance in
A circle holding hands, no bands,
"ganggang suwollae" (강강수월래)
Under bright moonlight.
Grand Admiral Yi Sun-Sin had the women dress like men.
Fool the enemy they did then.
Eat some pink, green songpyeon (colored with sage). 
Perfect and pretty songpyeon,
Will bring the gift of a lovely daughter!
Goodbye, autumn! Hello, winter!

I love Chuseok so much.
“I wish every day was Chuseok.
No more no less.”

Copyright © 2013-2016 Ronald J Chapman All Rights Reserved.