Chuseok: Embracing Ancestral Wisdom
Amidst autumn embrace, under the watchful eye of the Harvest Moon, Koreans gather to celebrate Chuseok (추석) or Hangawi (한가위). Beyond its names, Chuseok, denoting an "autumn evening," and Hangawi, the "great middle of autumn," this three-day festival holds a significance that transcends words—a quiet contemplation of the past, communion with ancestors, and an acknowledgment of our culture's rich tapestry. Chuseok's soul resides in the veneration of forebears, a journey to their resting places, and a feast to honor their memory. These rituals are not only meaningful but give Koreans meaning. Who are we without our practices?
Every dish, every custom bears a spiritual and ritualistic weight—an homage to ancestral connection, love, reconciliation, growth, and the past, present, and future. Yet, in the diaspora and even within Korea, the essence of these traditions has waned or been lost (taken/erased/destroyed/burned/assimilated). What often remains is a superficial veneer. Culture has been reduced to food with no spiritual meaning and swag that's purely about aesthetics rather than meaning.
However, recent times have witnessed a reawakening, especially among young people of color, spurred by global events like the George Floyd protests. The recognition that race matters and that race and culture are intertwined and have no meaning without the other. Dispelling the oppressive concept of assimilation and abandoning culture for a homogenous Western culture. Some have also come to realize their Westernized culture is not how it's always been.
Culture isn't a passive drop of blood but a living practice. It is active. However, an unsettling trend seeks to strip spirituality from this cultural tapestry, a form of cultural erosion, erasure, or worse (cultural genocide). It makes Korean culture toothless and commercial, orienting our culture to the white capitalist gaze. Many no longer see value in their culture because it lacks spiritual nourishment and meaning. The result is a growing sense of detachment and a longing for a more profound connection. What's become the world's default is to fill that void with capitalism and Western practices.
The recent racial and cultural awakenings had communities of color acknowledging that they are not white and asking why should they seek to be white and why is white the default? Hope shines through the cracks. Now, more individuals are embarking on journeys of self-discovery, seeking to reclaim their roots and the spiritual practices of their ancestors. I hope this post helps those who are seeking.
Under the Harvest Moon's guidance, let us remember Chuseok for what it truly is—an opportunity to reconnect with our ancestors, embrace the spiritual essence within our culture, and find meaning in our identity and heritage. In this way, we honor not only our past but also our future, orienting us to our present, and ensuring that the traditions endure with grace and devotion.
Lastly, as a liberatory Korean martial artist, it's worth noting that one of the traditions of the Chuseok festival was playing a Korean kicking martial arts game called Taekkyon. So go work on your kicks! If you're Korean, kick for the culture!
✊✊✊
(I write daily about martial arts and other topics from a liberatory perspective. If you like my work, upgrade your subscription. You can also support me on Patreon or make a one-time donation on Ko-fi. Find Southpaw at its website. Get the swag on Spring. Also check out Liberation Martial Arts Online.)