Celebrating Family

“Feliz Cinco De Mayo” everyone! Well, in a kimchi style sort of way. Not to be confused with the Mexican national holiday, May 5th calls for the celebration of the Children of South Korea.

What better way to start off summer than with outdoor festivities and celebrations? During the month of May, not only do we commemorate Children’s Day, but Parent’s Day as well. For those of you who are fresh off the plane, both holidays are great to witness and familiarize yourself with the culture, especially in the lovely city of Gwangju.

May 5th holds a special meaning for all children in Korea, just as much as Christmas and birthdays do to others around the world. Parents and grandparents alike cook delicious food for their little ones, or partake in a great family outing to a special restaurant. Parents also give their children gifts and money. It has been an ongoing tradition since 1946, shortly after the Japanese Independence.

In a nation where respect is gained with age, a young writer named Chung-Hwan Pang thought it was important to have one day out of the year where Koreans can give recognition to children. Chung once said, “Children are the future of our nation. Let’s show respect for children. Children who grow up with ridicule and contempt from others will become people who disrespect others, while children who grow up with respect from others will become people who respect others in turn.” Children’s Day is different than other national holidays around the world for children, which were mainly established to keep them safe from hazardous work environments, and to impose less child labor or to create a better education system.

In the days that follow, both Mom and Dad get their own recognition. Parent’s Day, will be celebrated on May 8ththis year. Many of us are accustomed to a Western style celebration, a single Mother’s Day, which usually falls on May 10th, and then a separate Father’s Day in the month of July. Although it is not recognized as a national holiday, the tradition began in 1956 originally as Mother’s Day, but by 1973 it was changed to Parent’s Day.

Thus, there is no excuse to forget one or the other, both parents get gifts such as cards, carnation flowers, and so forth. A handful of Latino nations, including Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador to name a few, specifically give their mothers carnations as well. Nowadays, gifts to parents can vary once the kids are all grown up and they are able to afford more expensive material goods. According to Gwangju native, Park Cho Hee, a mother of three, said, “As [parents] get older, they might ask for a special present such as cosmetic surgery for both mother and father.” This can range from Botox and face lifts, to permanent eyebrow or eyeliner tattoos for mothers or hair plugs for fathers. Park states that the meaning of Parent’s Day has been hastily drained due to various companies marketing their material goods in the past few decades.

But who can deny those cute flower and rose bouquets that are sprawled up on each street corner for the special date? Most of you know what these glittery, hot pink, purple to neon yellow bunches of sprayed scented petals look like. These bunches of flowers definitely aren’t “cheap” as some range from 35,000 to 100,000 won. Then again, there should be no price tag to express your love, right?

With an increase in holidays to recognize family members such as children, mothers and fathers alike, this is a special month in various places around the world. But in Korea, it is a momentous time to bond with family, really take a break from the fast paced lifestyle, and to welcome the sunny, warm days ahead.

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