Chuseok's Three Kingdoms

The history of Chuseok begins way back in the period of the Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280). While there are varying theories to how Chuseok came about, many believe that it originated from gabae, a month-long weaving contest between two teams of women during the reign of Silla’s Third King, Yuri. Others believe that Yuri’s victory over the Baekje Kingdom and his festivities that followed after, which included activities such as weaving, martial arts, archery, and great feasts, gave rise to this holiday. Some have also thought that Chuseok may have come from ancient shaman celebrations of the harvest moon. Its literal meaning is “in the middle of fall.” Food and drink were given to honor and respect ancestors and deities.
Even to this day, acts of familial worship, which has been practiced for thousands of years, is one of the most important customs of Chuseok. When Chuseok arrives, families will travel to visit the graves and, as an act of respect, will clear any weeds away from the area. It is a sign of shame and disrespect if the area around a
Songpyeon(colorful, half-moon shaped rice cakes stuffed with honey, nuts, chestnuts and other fillings) that is served are very important because of its symbolic significance to Korean people. The name songpyeon translates as “pine tree” in Korean. The rice cakes are cooked using a method where they are steamed over pine needles creating a certain fragrance and taste. The half-moon shape also bears significance. It symbolizes the Silla Kingdom’s victory over Baekje, and also has become symbolic to victory and successful