The Significance of Korean Ancestral Rites and Memorial Services
The practice of ancestral rites and memorial services in South Korea, known as 제사 (je-sa), is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy and traditional Korean belief systems. These ceremonies require the arrangement of altars with ancestral tablets accompanied by offerings of food and drinks, as well as family members to perform ritual bows and prayers. Learn more about the significance of these time-honoured traditions below.
Learn More: Understanding Confucianism’s Impact on Korean Society TodayTypes of 제사 (je-sa)
- 차례 (cha-lye): Ceremonies that are usually held during holidays such as Korean Thanksgiving (추석 chu-seok) or Lunar New Year (설날 seol-nal).
- 기제사 (gi-je-sa): Rites conducted annually on the death anniversary.
- 시제 (si-je): Rituals performed to honour ancestors every season.
- 묘제 (myo-je): Ceremonies held during the funeral, at the grave.
What Do the Ancestral Rites Mean to Korean Society?
1. An Act of Filial Piety
Filial piety is a key principle in Confucianism that South Koreans hold close to their hearts. They believe that parents and ancestors should be revered with respect and devotion.
The act of performing ancestral rites is a tangible expression of this deep gratitude and admiration that they have for their preceding generations. Through actively engaging in rituals, South Korean descendants are able to uphold the filial piety framework important to Korean society while honouring and remembering their forebears.
2. Binds Families Across Time and Space
These ceremonies serve as cultural glues that bring family members together across generations. They are held once or more times annually during special occasions or memorial dates, and members of the family are usually expected to come together to prepare ritual essentials and participate in the rites. When everyone returns from various parts of the country to their ancestral home, they gain opportunities to bond and strengthen familial ties. This also fosters a sense of unity while reinforcing the family unit.
3. Honours Ancestors
Ancestral rites also play crucial roles in preserving the memory and legacy of one’s ancestors. As Korean families gather to make preparations and participate in these ceremonies, they not only express their appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of those who paved their way, but also share stories, family history, and values that can be passed down. This ensures that the work of those who have gone before them are not forgotten, but cherished and made known to the future generations.
4. Maintains Spiritual Connection
In Korea, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors continue to play a vital role in the lives of descendants and in family affairs. Hence, ancestral rites also serve as opportunities for the living generation to maintain a spiritual connection with their ancestors, where they request for continued guidance, blessings, and protection to navigate life’s complexities.
5. Social Cohesion
Ancestral rites are cultural practices observed by Korean society and not unique to individual households. They are conducted across communities and regions within the country, which is why they also function as a collective identity shared by the broader population, unifying diverse individuals into a cohesive societal whole.
In an era marked by rapid modernisation and technological advancements, it is becoming more challenging to unite people to forge genuine, strong connections. These ancestral rites, however, are powerful antidotes to social disconnection. They provide a tangible space for face-to-face interaction in a fast-paced, digitally-driven world.
The significance of Korean ancestral rites and memorial services goes far beyond the surface of ritualistic practices. It is a living expression of values such as filial piety and family cohesion, and it serves as anchors to remind South Koreans of the enduring importance of their cultural heritage.
If you’re interested in learning more about Korean culture, start off by picking up the Korean language at a Korean language school. ONLYOU Korean offers lessons in Singapore suitable for all learning levels. Find out more about our classes here.
