Autumn’s Eve

Ch’usok

In Korea, autumn is a long and pleasant season. The weather is usually
nice, and the grain and fruit are ripe and ready to eat. Farmers have
gathered in most of the crops. Their long, hard summer of work is over.

So, for the people of Korea, the beginning of autumn is a time of
thanksgiving. They celebrate it with a day called Ch’usok, which means
“Autumn’s Eve.” This day, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on the
fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, usually near the end of
September.

Ch’usok is a happy day. People visit the tombs of their ancestors to pay
their respects at this happy time. They also leave gifts of food for the
dead.

There are parties, with games and dancing. Some people exchange gifts.
On the eve of Ch’usok, many Koreans have a special “moon cake,” made
with rice, chestnuts, and fruit.