The “Coming-of-age” day is a nationwide celebration in Korea.
To mark a child’s passage into adulthood, the young men had their hair coiffed into a topknot and wore a cylindrical hat woven from horsehair known as a “gat (갓).” Meanwhile, the young women put up their hair in a bun, fastened with a “binyeo (비녀),” an ornamental hairpin, and put on a “jjokduri,” a ceremonial cap. Then, the young people bowed to all the guests out of gratitude, and had their first drink of alcohol, which was replaced with tea, accepting the transition into adulthood. At the end of the ceremony, the young people visited ancestral shrines to inform the heaven of being a responsible member of society.
The coming-of-age day dates back way back in history. The first written record of Korea’s coming of age ceremony is found in 965, during King Gwangjong’s reign (925-975). It was written at the time that the young crown prince was presented with new grown-up garments to wear. It became a popular custom of the upper class people by the time of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) where social codes were necessary to uphold various family rituals. (Source: Samedi)
In the modern day, people usually receive three gifts (flowers, perfume and a kiss) on this special day from family and friends.
*****
Congratulations Taemin ♥
