The Evolution of Korean Wedding Traditions

The Pre-Wedding Rituals: A Blend of Old and New

In the lead-up to a Korean wedding, certain customs remain steadfast, such as the selection of a "blessed" individual, typically one with a large family, to carry a "letter" box to the bride's home. This individual dons a mask made from dried squid and, accompanied by friends wielding lanterns, makes a lively procession to the bride's residence, drumming and dancing while chanting "letters!" This spectacle draws the attention of neighbors and culminates in a playful negotiation with the bride's parents, who lay out banknotes for the letter carrier to step on, symbolizing prosperity and a smooth entry into the family.

The Wedding Day: A Fusion of Elegance and Tradition

On the day of the wedding, the focus shifts to the ceremony itself. The bride and groom, having prepared at a beauty salon, arrive at the venue in modern attire—a white wedding dress for the bride and a suit or tuxedo for the groom. The parents of both parties welcome guests, with the groom's family on the right and the bride's on the left.

The Ceremony: Lighting the Way

As guests settle in, the ceremony begins with the lighting of candles by the mothers of the bride and groom, symbolizing the union of two families. The groom's mother lights a red candle, while the bride's mother lights a blue one. The ceremony proceeds with the groom and bride making their way to the stage, exchanging vows, and being pronounced husband and wife.

The Reception: A Feast of Joy

Following the ceremony, guests are led to a banquet where the celebration continues. The newlyweds then change into traditional Korean attire for the "Mitegura" ritual, the tenth step in the traditional wedding sequence. This involves a respectful bow to the parents-in-law and the tossing of jujubes by the elders onto the bride's dress, a gesture wishing for the couple to have children soon. The ceremony concludes with the distribution of red envelopes from relatives, symbolizing blessings and good fortune.

The Honeymoon: Embarking on a New Journey

With the festivities complete, the couple departs for their honeymoon, embarking on a new chapter in their lives with the blessings of their loved ones.

Interesting Statistics and Nuances

While the article provides a glimpse into Korean wedding customs, there are intriguing statistics and nuances that often go unnoticed:

• According to a survey by Duo, a major Korean matchmaking company, the average cost of a Korean wedding in 2021 was approximately 230 million won (about $190,000 USD), reflecting the significant financial investment many couples make in their special day. Source: The Korea Herald
• The "letter" box procession, known as "Ham," is less common in urban areas but still practiced in some rural regions, showcasing the diversity of wedding customs across the country.
• The traditional attire worn during the Mitegura ritual is called "hanbok," and its design and colors can signify various meanings, such as social status and marital status.

Modern Korean weddings are a testament to the country's ability to harmonize the old with the new, creating celebrations that are both meaningful and reflective of contemporary values.