May is a Month to Celebrate and Appreciate!!

The family is a very important unit in all cultures both parents and children are given public holidays in the same month. 

The Korean Parents’ Day has roots in Mothers’ Day from the United States. In the U.S, it started out as a lady giving white carnations to people in remembrance of her mother. Later, National Parents' Day 어버이 날 (Eobeoi Nal) came to South Korea and it changed. The Ministry of Health and Welfare include public celebrations and awards as a national holiday.  Families focus on the popular actions of giving red carnations - these flowers symbolize love and gratitude, and they show thanksgiving for all that one’s parents have done for them.  Parents do make a lot of sacrifices that we sometimes take for granted, don’t they?  

Children’s Day is also celebrated in the same month - May 5th and was introduced to Korea in 1923 by one Bang Jeong Hwan, who was a writer of children’s literature and a fierce fighter for children’s rights.  He wanted a way to instill in the children a sense of independence and national pride. Children of all ages are celebrated, and the entire community is involved in the festivity.  Many cities have parades and public activities and museums, zoos, amusement parks, and movie theatres offer free admission to children. They play various traditional games [Yut] and receive presents from parents and others. Kids usually spend time with Mom and Dad and have a fun day out and at home. 

By Tiki Armstrong