Although today is Cindo de Mayo here in the U.S., in Korea,it is a National Holiday called Children's Day. Children's Day or "Orini Nal" is a South Korean national holiday celebrated on May 5. It was founded by the Korean children's writer Pang Chong-hwan in 1923 as a way to instill in the children a sense of independence and national pride. Children's Day highlights the dignity of children and their need for love, care, and respect. It is also a day to honor adults that have contributed to improving the lives of children.
People dress in new clothes and set out food to worship their ancestors. Children of all ages are celebrated during Children's Day and the entire community is involved in the festivity. Many cities have parades and public activities. Museums, zoos, amusement parks, and movie theaters offer free admission to children. Traditional games, such as "yut" are played. Gifts are given to children from their parents and from stores that the children visit during Children's Day.
Tae kwon do demonstrations are often part of the Children's Day activities. Tae kwon do is a form of self defense that originated in Korea more than two thousand years ago and is a commonly taught martial art in the United States. It involves more sharp, quick kicking than the Japanese style karate, and was showcased for the world in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
Traditional foods are an important part of every Korean celebration. Rice is eaten with all meals in Korea. Kimchi, which is pickled cabbage with strong spices and bulgolgi, which is thinly sliced broiled beef is a large part of the Korean diet. Fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other products of the ocean are prepared in many different ways to serve on Korean tables. Korean Americans are one of the fastest-growing Asian groups in the United States. Although Children's Day is not a national holiday in the U.S., it is celebrated within Korean families on May 5. Korean American communities celebrate with performances, special foods, and activities, and Korean cultural schools hold day-long programs to celebrate children.
We are off this morning to enjoy our visit with my parents, grandmother, and aunt.
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