Family is what many people hold near and dear. Just as innocent young animals learn crucial skills from their parents for upcoming challenges in the wild, humans learn essential life skills from their families. They are the ones who we spend most of our lifetime with, sharing not only our daily routines but also our deepest emotions and experiences. Acknowledging this importance, many cultures, including Korea, celebrate family holidays to form tighter bonds. These special days encourage everyone to gather around the table, enjoy time together, and reflect on a shared history. Accordingly, Korean family days carry a unique significance. While celebrations like Parents' Day (May 8) and Children's Day (May 5) might appear similar to other national holidays, their historical contexts reveal the deep values Koreans hold dear.
During the era of Japanese Imperialism, even innocent children lived a life of agony. With no proper rights, workers endured a day-to-day experience of laboring from early morning to late night, receiving little payment along with brutal treatment. In this context, special days of rest and celebration offered Koreans a rare opportunity to recuperate from the challenging conditions and foster a sense of unity and protection.
Still, the struggle of this tumultuous period left a lasting impact on Korean society that can still be observed. Although families are considered very important, Koreans often tend to prioritize material well-being over family due to their history. According to the survey conducted by the Pew Research Center across 17 advanced countries, Korea was the only country to choose material well-being as a top source of meaning, with families placed in third. This result is especially surprising since 14 countries out of 17 chose family as their top choice.
To describe in more detail, despite the comparably lower significance of family in Korean culture, the historical trauma of Japanese Imperialism left a lasting imprint on societal values, especially on the unit of family. the starkly harsh reality, marked by economic downfall and political oppression, has gradually established a profound desire for material security and stability among Koreans. People started to realize that without financial stability, protecting the peace and laughter of their families was impossible. Streets were starving, filled with homeless people moving from place to place in search of shelter and sustenance. Myriad people lost their loved ones on the way to immigration, and numerous others had to undergo the death of their families at the hands of merciless forces. As a result, the tendency to prioritize economic success over familial bonds as a means of safeguarding against future uncertainty was developed. To protect what they truly value on the inside, people found that achieving external financial stability was crucial.
Family holidays are a glimpse of the past, reminding people of the importance of family over material values. They are symbols of resilience and strength, representing those who faced unimaginable hardships. Through these celebrations, Koreans honor their history, acknowledge their struggles, and protect the familial ties that are essential to their cultural identity and personal well-being.
Keep in mind, that even in the face of adversity, bonds of family can provide a foundation for a brighter future.
