Memorial Service
April 07, 2006
I was invited to Jin's home tonight for dinner and a
memorial service for the passing of her father. It is a
traditional service that is held on the anniversary of her father's
death. Koreans believe that on this day the spirit of their
father enters into the home and eats the food they have prepared and
blesses them.
An elaborate table is prepared with a plethora of
traditional Korean food placed all around it. The ceremony
involves opening the door so the spirit may enter, lighting incense
and candles, tons of food, pouring Soju, and many bows with prayers. I
was honored and felt like one of the family when I was asked to
attend and even more so when I was asked to participate. My
participation involved kneeling before her father's picture at the
table full of food and pouring Soju into a cup. You then wave
it 3 times counter-clockwise over a bowl of rice with pine needles
in it from a mountain. Then you perform two very low bows (to
show ultimate respect).
It was quite a memorable experience.
What I learned
today about Korea: 1) A serving of food is left outside
the door during this service just in case the father's spirit comes
to the home with a friend. The friend's spirit will stay
outside and eat while the father enters the home for the service.
