Today one of my co-teachers asked me if my culture has any special type of celebration for the ending off of one year and the beginning of another. I said, "Not really, just a big celebration on the 31st." I explained briefly about the way we celebrate and then asked him the same question... "Well, on new years eve we ring a bell and stay up until sunset," (he meant sunrise) "but no alcohol is involved." He then proceeded to tell me that during the whole month of December is when they celebrate with alcohol and then said "So we will have many parties next week, ok?" Hahaha, not that Korea ever needs a reason to drink.
Anyway, so the Bell-ringing ceremony has been the tradition in Korea since 1952. People will gather around the bell tower at temples and toll the bell several times to welcome in the new year. Not just anyone can ring the bell. Participants include celebraties and other people who have played an important role in society.
Anyway, so the Bell-ringing ceremony has been the tradition in Korea since 1952. People will gather around the bell tower at temples and toll the bell several times to welcome in the new year. Not just anyone can ring the bell. Participants include celebraties and other people who have played an important role in society.
"The ringing of the bell originated in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). In the early Joseon period, bells at Seoul's four main entrances and four small entrances were rung in the morning and evening to notify the opening and closing of the gates. The bells sounded 33 times in the morning to start the day and 28 times in the evening to announce the curfew."
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