Chilseok in Korea

• Source: Global Times
• [17:34 August 25 2009]
• Comments

Chilseok is the Korean name for the Qixi Festival. When Chilseok comes, the summer heat starts to dissipate and the monsoon season begins. The rain that falls during this period is called Chilseok water. As pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons start to flourish around this time, people used to offer pieces of fried pumpkin to the Great Dipper.

On Chilseok, Koreans used to take baths, by which they believed they could live a healthy life. Also, it is the tradition to eat wheat-flour noodles and grilled wheat cakes. Chilseok is known as the last chance to enjoy wheat-based foods, since the cold winds after Chilseok ruin the good scent of wheat. Therefore these dishes are a must for the dinner table.