Dynastic Korea

Chu Suk, became a nationally recognised holiday.
According to a book called the three Kingdom” history book, which was written by Kim Bu Sik in 32 AD.

The story goes Women from six local towns were taken by king You Ree, The king of Shilla, and seperated into two groups.

He requested both groups to make clothing to see who were the better weavers. The two groups had team leaders. The team leaders had to be a part of the king’s family. Two of his daughters, the princesses, were chosen by the king to be the leaders of the groups. Both teams worked very hard to impress the king and to also be the better weaving team. It became more of a contest because the losing team would have to cook

In the heavens there are many stars. Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae
Friends are great, gardens are beautiful. Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae
There are many pine trees, there are many pine needles. Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae
There are many bamboo trees. Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae

This is only the beginning of the song. How Chu Suk began and the day itself is part of the meaning of the song. Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae has many meanings but one of the most important meanings is the values of Korean women.

During Chu Suk when the families have arrived at their ancestral sites, as a symbolic gesture the elders cut the growing plantation. This is done to show the remembrance of their ancestors heritage. The gesture is done most likely secretive for no reason except for respect to their ancestors.

Before Chu Suk families prepare special dishes of food for their visit to their ancestral sites. The first thing families do when they get back at their house they clean it and make a special dish called Jun, which are just grilled food as well as fruits and vegetables and another special dish called Song Pyon. The food prepared is placed on a memorial service. This is done early in the morning.

Later that day there is a memorial service. After the food has been prepared the families change into formal cloths. Wishing the deceased good fortune the families say a few respectful phrases to their ancestors about how they are living their lives. Before usually the men were the ones that did something but now this has changed and every member participates in the service.