Abuja celebrates Seollal Lunar New Year
It was a jolly day for Abuja residents who were part of the Seollal Lunar New year celebrations organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria penultimate Saturday.
Seollal which is the first day of Korean Lunar Calendar is celebrated not only to mark the passage of into the New Year but it is also a first time for families to catch up with one another, pay respects to ancestors and to feast.
Adults and children did just to these as they enjoyed full doses of food, games and dance as they explored Korean delicacies, costumes, art and traditions at the event which is one of the most significant traditional Korean holidays.
A highpoint for guests who participated in the various competitive activities were the prizes they received and for others souvenirs they were able to take away.
Director, Korean Cultural Centre, Mr Han Sungrae, said: “Seollal is a special occasion for Korean people. This year we celebrate Seollal on 27th of January.
“One significant aspect of Seollal event is the Sabae performance which entails the younger generation paying respect to the elders by taking a deep bow. A well-performed Sabae attracts a gift; thereafter the elders offer their blessings and wishes for prosperous New Year.”
The event which entails friends and well wishers of the centre coming together to merry and observe the Sabae performance ‘New Year bow’ was carried out at the centre as guests watch in admiration and excitement.
Guests at the event, showed off their dexterity at having mastered the Sabae. It didn’t matter whether they bowed at the right angle or positioned their bodies correctly, it was about exhibiting their knowledge of the significance of the fete and making merry.
For many of the guests, it was their first time at trying out their skills in the games - Yutnori which involves the use of 4 wooden sticks flat and rounded on the other side and at Jegichagi which looks like a badminton ball and is played without letting it touch the ground. They also had a first experience with Tuho, another game which requires the use of a wooden arrow and narrow-necked pot with each player attempting to have the highest number of throws into the pot.