Just What Is Sibijisin?

Visitors to Korea might be surprised to hear Koreans referring to 2010 as 'the year of the tiger'. Koreans believe that there are twelve gods of the earth (Sibiji or twelve jisins) who take the form of twelve animals: the mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. Before the arrival of the Western concept of time keeping, Koreans measured time according to the names of animals, for example myosi (the time of the rabbit) was between 5:00 and 7:00, and misi (the time of the sheep) was between 13:00 and 15:00.  The whole day was divided into twelve sections, each of which was symbolized by one of the twelve animals.  Various tales regarding the origin of these beliefs have been handed down through the generations, and the most common ones are indicated below.  These animals were therefore seen as guardians of specific times and also of specific directions such as north or southwest.  They were believed to be guardians against evil spirits, and can be seen surrounding royal tombs. Koreans also determined the years by assigning them to the twelve animals.  According to this system 2010 is 'the year of the tiger', and 2011 will be 'the year of the rabbit'.  It is traditionally believed that people possess the certain characteristics of the animal whose year they were born in.  Therefore the year and also the time at which you were born were believed to determine your personality and fate.

Symbols of Sibiji Jasi (23:00-01:00) : The mouse is most active during this time. Chuksi (01:00-03:00) : The cow ruminates its cud and prepares for the next morning's work in the field. Insi (03:00-05:00) : The tiger is the most ferocious during this time. Myosi (05:00-07:00) : Before the sunrise, a jade rabbit can be seen in the moon high in the sky. Jinsi (07:00-09:00) : The dragon flies and prepares for the rain. Sasi (09:00-11:00) : The snake is still sleeping so it will not harm humans Osi (11:00-13:00) : As the yang of the earth turns to yin at this time, the horse gallops across the earth. Misi (13:00-15:00) : The sheep must graze the field at this time so as not to harm the grass. Sinsi (15:00-17:00) : The monkey cries the most at this time. Yusi (17:00-19:00) : After a whole day of searching for food, the chicken finally goes to its nest. Sulsi (19:00-21:00) : As the sun sets, the dog starts looking after the house. Haesi (21:00-23:00) : The pig has the sweetest dream at this time. Meaning of 12 Sibiji   Ja Chuk In Myo Jin Sa O Mi Sin Yu Sul Hae Animal Mouse Cow Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Sheep Monkey Chicken Dog Pig Time 23~ 01 01~ 03 03~ 05 05~ 07 07~ 09 09~ 11 11~ 13 13~ 15 15~ 17 17~ 19 19~ 21 21~ 23 Month Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Direction N NN NEE E SEE SSE S SSW SWW W NWW NNW

Just for Fun - Innate Character by Sign Mouse (2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948) Those born in the year of the mouse are generally said to be frugal, thrifty, and very hardworking.   Their hearts are very fragile, making them extremely wary of others. However, they are usually witty and very quick. However, those born during the year of the mouse often lack emotional self-control and need greater moral cultivation Cow (2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949) People born in the year of the cow are patient, honest, and hardworking. They don't like to lose. They are good at getting things done and have a personality that attracts people. However, they are weak in love, timid, and conservative. Tiger (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950) People born in the year of the tiger are passionate, honest, optimistic, and extremely aggressive at everything they do. Generally, most of them are said to be very adventurous and are ambitious of honor and glory. However, their passion may lead to be reckless when reaching for their goals. Rabbit (1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939) People born in the year of the rabbit are sensitive, humorous, and artistic. However, they can readily rely on their talent and not work hard enough. Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940) Those born in the year of the dragon do not like to control their emotions and to be overly stingy. Therefore, many of them are adventurous and dream of a romantic lifestyle. However, they should be careful of haughty and arrogant behavior, and should control their impatience. Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941) Many people born in the year of the snake are dignified and are perfectionists. They have the tendency to be ambitious, and they work hard for their goals and persevere. They are passionate about what they do. However, their overly perfectionist personality may constantly bring about self doubt. Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942) People born in the year of the horse are cheerful, open, and humorous. They commit to one field, so they are likely to be successful in whatever they do. However, they want everything to work around them, and they must be careful of waste and entertainment. Sheep (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943) People born in the year of the sheep are sympathetic and peaceful. They are simple and kind, so they are usually fortunate. However, they are also fearful, indecisive, and complaining. Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944) People born in the year of the monkey are social, cheerful, and positive. They are good leaders of public or organization. However, they need more tenacity.   Chicken (2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945) People born in the year of the chicken are intelligent and courageous. They are very good at thinking ahead and meticulously carrying out plans. Although they have a smart appearance, many have an upright, moral body and mind. However, they can also be self-centered and stubborn.  Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946) People born in the year of the dog are honest, bright, and friendly to other people. They are sympathetic and responsible. However, they tend to spoil their own family.  Pig (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947) People born in the year of the pig are honest, simple, and strong. Many are hardworking and good-hearted. However, they are sometimes hesitative, which prevents further growth

Confucianism has had a very strong influence on all aspects of Korean society. One ancient Confucian tradition that still remains today is the notion of bowing to elders as a sign of respect, known as Jeol. There are various types of Jeols, and which one you use depends on the formality of the situation and the people involved. For example, when two people meet for the first time, the usual greeting is for both people to do a small Jeol, nodding their head while leaning their upper body forward a bit. It is used in the same way as a handshake. Another part of Confucianism is the concept of honoring ones ancestors. On the official day of Seollal, Koreans change into Hanboks to symbolize new beginnings by starting off with a clean body and heart. The Jeol is also a very important aspect of this ritual and of course, in such a formal occasion, a light bow would simply just not suffice. In this case, the bow is similar to what you may have seen Buddhists or Muslims doing. This kind of Jeol, performed on Seollal, is called a Saebae and to perform it one must get down on both of their knees and bend forward toward the floor. A tradition that young people in Korea particularly love is that during the Seollal if they do a Keun Jeol to their elders, like parents and grandparents, they can receive a little envelope with some money tucked inside. People also make this traditional formal bow to their elders on such special occasions as wedding days or traditional holidays. Let's Learn How to Perform 'Sebae'.     1. Hand positions In the case of women, usually she places her right hand above the left hand, and vice versa for the man. To express grief at funerals, women place their left hand over their right hand, and the opposite for the man. However, when performing sebae, the woman places her right hand above the left hand, and the man places his left hand above his right hand. 2. Man's Sebae ① ② ③ ④   ⑤ ⑥ ⑦   ① Place one's left hand above the right. Stand up straight with your hands resting in front of the lower abdomen (right below the navel). ② Raise both hands to the chest. ③ Place both hands on the floor as you bend your knees. ④ Bend your upper body and bow your head. ⑤ Once your head touches the back of your left hand, stand up by raising your right knee first. ⑥ Raise both hands up to your chest once more before returning your hands to their natural position.   3. Woman's Sebae There are two ways of observing sebae for women: simplified jeol and formal jeol. Simplified jeol is commonly performed in everyday. However, the formal jeol is usually performed for showing respect to elders on special occasions such as wedding ceremonies or other formal events.  1. Simplified Jeol ① ② ③ ④ ① Place your right hand above your left hand. Stand up straight with your hands resting in front of your lower abdomen (right below the navel). ② Release your hands naturally as you bend your knees and sit. ③ Rest your hands in front of your knees, placing them at shoulder's width. Then bow your head as you bend your upper body. ④ Take your hands off the floor as you raise your upper body. ⑤ Resume your standing position with your hands in front of your lower abdomen.   2. Formal jeol ① ② ③ ④ ① Raise both hands up to your eye level with your head slightly bowed and eyes on your feet. ② Sit cross-legged with your hands still raised in the above position. ③ Bend your upper body about 45 degrees. ④ Stay in this position for a couple of seconds before getting up. Maintain your hands in the original position at all times. ⑤ Resume your standing position with your hands in front of your lower abdomen. ⑤ Once you have finished performing 'sebae', you can sit back down and listen to the well-wishing comments from your elders. Then, enjoy the delicious Seollal tteokguk (rice cake soup) with all your family members, and later, play folk games together like yunnori. Also, make a New Year's resolutions for a more fulfilling New Year.   Tip : How to Tie One's Hanbok Ribbon   ① ② ③ ④ The ribbon hanging in front of the woman's Hanbok is called the 'otgoreum' and it has a specific way of tying it. Let's learn how to tie the woman's otgoreum. ⑤ ⑥   ① Hold the two ribbons strings, both long and short, in your hands. ② Cross the ribbon strings, placing the short string on top of the long string. ③ Wrap the short string around the long string with its end facing the ceiling. ④ Fold the long string and place the folded string on top of your right chest. This shape is called the 'gori'. ⑤ Wrap the shorter string around the gori and make a knot. ⑥ The knot should not be too tight, and the loop should be parallel to the ceiling.

- A Quick Peak at How Koreans Celebrate Seollal – Seollal, Koreans' favorite holiday, is just around the corner. Koreans usually celebrate two New Year's: one on January 1st in accordance to the solar calendar, and another in accordance with the lunar calendar, falling this year on February 14. During Seollal, Lunar New Year's Day, most people go back to their hometowns to perform ceremonial rites, paying their respect to their ancestors, so the day before and after Seollal are also designated holidays. This year Seollal falls on a Sunday, making the holiday last from Feb 13 to 15. So how do Koreans spend their Seollal? Let's take a peek at Korea's Seollal, a busy but happy holiday.

Before Seollal Purchase gifts at department stores and markets!

Most families are very busy during the week leading up to Seollal. There is a lot of shopping to do to prepare for the ancestral rites and, because Seollal brings the rare occasion of all family members getting together in one place at the same time, most people undergo a lot of stressful preparation to make the festivities run smoothly. Therefore, Seollal is one of the busiest seasons for department stores and markets. Most people shop for gifts to give to their parents and friends. Meat, fish, fruit, the Korean traditional snack 'Hangwa', tteokguk (rice cake soup), and various types of wild vegetables are popular items because they are required as part of the ancestral rites. The foods prepared for this rite must have nice shapes and colors, and they must be fresh. Most families spend an average of ￦200,000~300,000 on food for Seollal. It is taken very seriously. Another necessary step to follow in preparation for Seollal is reserving train tickets. Thousands of people travel at the same time mostly to their hometown provinces. Before and after Seollal, the highways are very congested. Trains are the preferred transportation method because they run on time and they can avoid the hectic holiday traffic. To secure a seat, most people reserve their train tickets at least a month in advance. Of course, those who decide to drive themselves know ahead of time what they are getting themselves into. Instead of it taking the usual two hours to drive from Seoul to Daejon, it takes four to five hours. The trip to Busan, which is about four hours away, takes close to eight hours during Seollal. All radio stations broadcast special live traffic updates because of the massive migration of people. Due to serious traffic problems, parents who live in smaller provinces are choosing to come to their children's home in Seoul to let their children avoid this congestion chaos. What are some of Seollal's most popular gifts?　 Seollal gifts depend on the economy and trend of that year. Gifts with unwavering popularity are department store gift certificates and cash. Many adults also like receiving ginseng, honey, and other health products, or massage treatments. Toiletry gift sets are also popular gift items and include products such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. Other popular gift sets include food sets of ham, tuna, Korea's traditional snack 'Hangwa', dried fish or fruit baskets.

Seollal Day Perform ancestral rites and play traditional Korean games with family members!

The day before Seollal, family members gather together to prepare the holiday food. The dishes needed for the ancestral rites must be prepared with care, made to be taste good and look good. Seollal's most important food is tteokguk, but 20 other dishes such as wild vegetables, Korean style pancakes, various types of fish, galbijjim (rib stew), japchae (noodles with meat and vegetables), and more are also specially prepared in order to perform the ancestral rites. To cook all this food requires long hours of work, and this reality has brought about the expression 'holiday syndrome'. Unlike the male members of the family, the women work all day long preparing holiday food. Having to do this every year, every holiday season, women have been showing symptoms such as headaches, backaches, and other physical pains when the holidays come around. Gaining considerable popularity, is the opinion that holidays should be even more family-oriented. Accordingly, some families are dividing the responsibilities for food preparations within their families, asking each person to bring a dish to share. Shops are increasingly offering holiday-cooking services, where you can purchase ready-made food. If you order in advance, your holiday dishes can be delivered to your home on the day of Seollal or the day before the actual holiday. Prices range between ￦200,000 and ￦300,000. Naturally, young housewives prefer this service if they can afford it rather than doing most of the cooking themselves. On the morning of Seollal, people get up early to wash and put on their 'Seolbim (new clothes prepared for Seollal)'. Many people wear Hanboks. Then the families gather to perform ancestral rites, paying their respects by offering food. According to Korean traditions, it is believed that ancestors return to enjoy the holiday food prepared for them. An ancestral tablet is placed on the rites table along with all the dishes and drinks. This is to show appreciation and respect for late ancestors. The ancestral rites also symbolize the descendants' prayers for a good new year. After the rites have been performed, everyone shares the holiday food together. Tteokguk, made of thinly sliced tteok (rice cakes) cooked in beef soup, is found on all Seollal tables, without exception. According to tradition, eating tteokguk on Seollal adds one year to your age. Therefore, the children ask each other 'how many servings of tteokguk did you have?' and they calculate their age according to the number of serving they had just for fun. After finishing their meal, the younger generations pay their respects to the elders of the family by bowing to them. The elders offer well-wishing remarks such as 'have a healthy year' or 'meet someone nice' as they give the young people 'New Year's money'. Children especially like Seollal because they can receive money as a New Year's gift. Lately, an increasing number of Christian families are choosing not to perform the ancestral rites due to their religious beliefs. Instead, their family members gather to share food and stories, and spend quality family time during Seollal.

☞ Related Article: Korean Style Greetings: How to do a Sebae bow on Seollal, Lunar New Year's Day

What do you do for fun on Seollal Day? After the ancestral rites ceremony is over, the members of the family play traditional games for entertainment. The most common game is yut nori. It is a fun and easy-to-learn game that requires a certain degree of teamwork. Players sometimes make bets with extra cash from their 'New Year's money' they received. Some families order pizza or chicken after the games. 'Gostop,' which uses flower cards and board games are also popular Seollal games. Though flower cards are more complicated to play than yut nori, it is nonetheless popular even with adults. Once you begin a game of flower cards, hours race by in no time at all. Children like to play board games like Jenga. If you want to play folk games such as jegichagi, neoltwiggi, tuho, or kite flying, be sure to visit a nearby palace or park. The palaces and parks equip themselves with folk games for visitors to enjoy. Also, many families go see a movie, making Seollal a busy season for the movie theaters.

After Seollal Visiting the in-laws!

After performing the traditional Seollal activities at one's husband's parents' home, families go to the wife's parents' home afterwards. It has become a general practice to visit both in-laws during Seollal, and to pay their respects, in equal measure, at both homes. I'd Love to Know! This Year is said to be the Year of the Tiger, Is It True?　 With the approach of lunar New Year's Day, every Korean becomes increasingly interested in knowing what zodiac sign they are and the guardian animal of the year. There has been a Korean tradition that people do fortune telling for the New Year in relation to the zodiac animal. Also, people can tell characteristics and destinies of babies born in the year of specific animal. It is true that nowadays this kind of tradition is gone, yet people are still interested in the zodiac sign just for fun. The year of 2010 is called 'Gyeonginnyeon,' the year of the Tiger. It is the third animal among the 12 zodiac signs. It symbolizes faithfulness and justice. It is said that the tiger is proactive at work and is very charismatic. People born in the year of tiger are gifted with a strong sense of justice, a strong mind, and passion. In addition, if they act virtuously, they are well-liked and often become leaders. ☞ Related Article: Just What Is Sibijisin? / Year of the Tiger 2010

What's it like to travel in Korea during the Seollal Holidays? It is very quiet in Seoul during the Seollal Holiday because most families leave Seoul to visit their relatives in their respective hometowns and many shops and restaurants close for the holidays. The city feels somewhat deserted at this time of the year. Palaces, parks and theme parks are probably the busiest places during Seollal. They offer various traditional games and events to visitors as a great means of entertainment. But if you wanted to visit the provincial areas during this time, you may want to consider changing your schedule. Buses and trains are crowded and traffic is pretty heavy. A quiet relaxing tour of Seoul is recommended if you are going to visit Korea during Seollal.