Debates between different generations and genders frequently erupt over the ceremonial service table setting every Lunar New Year’s Day and Korean Thanksgiving, the two representative traditional holidays in Korea. Upcoming Lunar New Year’s Day on Feb. 10, Choi Young-gap, president of the Sungkyunkwan Judo Association, noted in favor of simplifying the table. “It is better not to have a memorial service for ancestors at all than keep fighting over the problem,” Choi said.
Appearing on YTN broadcasting’s “News Rider” on Feb. 8, he said, “I recommend it to have a harmonious holiday and everybody can relax and enjoy with their families,” Choi said referring to the simplified memorial services.
Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association, an organization established for promoting the spirit and value of Confucianism, announced the ‘Standard for Simplifying the Order of Service’ in 2022. “Traditionally, our ancestors had loaded tables with sumptuous foods. However, according to classical Confucious canon, seasonal fruits and vegetables are enough for the holiday table. However, too-much table setting had been regarded as the must-keep-standards due to the misinterpretation and ignorance,” he said.
According to the simplified standard, nine items are served on the table: songpyeon (Korean traditional rice cake) or tteokguk (Korean traditional soup), alcohol, grilled food, herbs, kimchi, and four to five kinds of fruits. Jeon (Korean pancake) or fried foods are not included. Choi said, “Preparation is not so much needed except for fruits,” he said, adding, “which food goes which place on the table is not an important matter.” Asked if it’s okay to put Western-style food like spaghetti on the table, Choi said, “I don’t recommend it. But it depends on every personal situation or circumstances.”
Regarding the current trend of traveling abroad without ceremonial service to ancestors during the traditional holidays, he said that “We can’t go against the tide. It is a trend, so there’s no need to reject it.”
Choi advised that “It would be recommendable to have a simple ceremony at home before traveling.”
He jokes, “Ghosts(of ancestors) can go everywhere. Therefore, they can follow you even when you are abroad,” adding, “Setting a simple version of a ceremonial service table that you can afford abroad, honoring your ancestors together with your family and then having fun might be another option.”
