Andong Region Jongga Ancestral Rites Lead Changes... 90% of Couples Perform Joint Ancestral Rites

Time Changed from Midnight to 8 PM

National Institute of Korean Studies Surveys 40 Jongga Households

The Korea Institute of Korean Studies Advancement (Director Jeong Jong-seop) conducted a survey of 40 head families in the Andong area ahead of the Lunar New Year to examine the changing patterns of ancestral rites.

In head families, ancestral rites are usually held about 12 times a year on average, including the 4-generation memorial rites, the perpetual memorial rites (Bulcheonwi), and the Lunar New Year and Chuseok ancestral ceremonies. This survey focused on the 4-generation memorial rites.

Traditionally, ancestral rites were held between 11 p.m. and midnight. However, according to this survey, all 40 head families have changed the time to between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The majority opinion was that changing the time to early evening greatly reduced the burden on people.

There were also opinions that after 8 p.m. is suitable in summer when the sun sets late, and around 7 p.m. is appropriate in winter when the sun sets early.

Gwangsan Kim Clan Yuiljae Ancestral House Lunar New Year Table Setting.

Not only the time of the rites has changed, but a combined memorial rite (Hapsa, 合祀) method has also emerged, where the memorial rites of a husband and wife are held together.

Memorial rites are usually held on the anniversary of each deceased person’s death, but in this method, the couple is enshrined together on the husband’s death anniversary, and the wife’s rite is omitted. This is to reduce the economic and time burdens caused by frequent rites. The survey revealed that about 90% of the 40 head families, or 35 families, have switched to this combined rite form.

There were also 11 head families that changed the 4-generation memorial rites to 3-generation or 2-generation rites, among which 10 families changed to 2-generation rites up to grandparents. Regarding this, the family heads said, “We had met the grandparents in person during their lifetime, so there is a deep sense of intimacy,” and that the criterion for deciding the change was whether they had met the ancestor in person.

Additionally, three head families were found to hold rites on specific public holidays, enshrining eight ancestors up to the 4th generation together.

There is a term called ‘Sirae (時禮),’ meaning ‘etiquette suitable for the times.’ The ‘Jujagarye,’ which established guidelines for ancestral rites, and Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty also stated that rites should be performed according to the given circumstances.

Change according to the environment is a natural phenomenon. Ultimately, the essence of ancestral rites is the heart that remembers and honors ancestors. Therefore, desirable ancestral rites have meaning in sincerely performing them without being bound by formalities.

Jinseong Lee Family Nosongjeong Ancestral House Lunar New Year Table Setting.

Kim Mi-young, Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Korean Studies Advancement, said, “Like all cultures, ancestral rite culture inevitably changes with the flow of the times. This trend is expected to accelerate as generations change,” adding, “In particular, the winds of change appearing in head families, which are role models of traditional culture, will have a considerable impact on our society.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.