Do you know about any traditions or cultures during the Joseon period? There are many things, among them, I am going to introduce about straw rope, the first birstday, and Kimchi.

  Firstly, people hung the straw rope over the gate when the babies borned. It protect the house from the evil spirits and to warn people not to enter the house. When the baby boy was born, charcoal and red peppers were hung to the straw rope. When the baby girl was born, charcoals and pine branches were hung to the straw rope. The charcoal and red pepper represents to protect the baby against the evil spirits, and the pine branches represents life, and pine branches are looks similar to needles. During the Joseon period, woman should be good at sewing, and needle is one material for sewing. So, pine branches have good meaning to the girl. I thought that the baby was very important for the Joseon people.

  Secondly, people have been doing some ceremonies in the first birthday. They prepare for foods, and other various kind of things. Also, people do special play called doljabi(µ¹ÀâÀÌ). Doljabi is play that the baby pickis up the things, such as rice, money, book, and thread. If baby picks the rice or money, it means he or she will become a rich, if baby picks the book, it means baby will grow for scholar. Also, thread means long life for the baby. I pick up the pencil, what did you picks up when your doljabi?

  Lastlly, Kimchi is one kind of the Korean traditional food. People use many kinds of vegetables to make Kimchi, such as cucumbers, leeks, cabbage, radish and sesame leaves. They make the Kimchi in winter, and it is called Kimjang(±èÀå). After finish making the Kimchi, they put Kimchi inside the clay pots. Clay pots help to ferment the Kimchi by allowing it to breathe. They are buried in the groud and keep its own temperature.  I think Kimchi is very scientific food aroud the world.

  To sum up, I think Joseon's tradition is very nice. It makes me proud. Especially, doljabi is still useful for the first birthday now. If you have a chance, you can try doljabi too. Thank you!!