This week is the biggest celebration for Koreans throughout the year. It's their Lunar New Year. It is traditionally celebrated on the second new moon day after the winter solstice. This year that was January 23rd. They celebrate for 3 days and take the opportunity to travel to visit family during this time. Everyone gets dressed up in their hanboks, has traditional foods, and the little ones collect money from their parents, grandparents, and older family members.
The boys' babysitter, who is Korean, has helped me understand this holiday more. When we got their hanboks, they came with a little purse-like bag. I wasn't sure what it was for or how to use it, until this week. Lydia told me that those are the money pouches the kids carry around to collect their money in. A traditional bow is performed when meeting an elder and then money is collected. Lydia said typically a lot of money!! (Don't tell the boys, but that tradition won't be carried out in this house!)
We have been too busy this week to do much celebrating or to have Korean food, but we are going to a Lunar New Year party on Saturday night with other adoption families to celebrate this big holiday with all our kiddos from Korea. More pictures to come!
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