A Year Older: Understanding Why We Eat Tteokguk on Seollal.

One of the most important holidays in Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year), comes with a special food that has been passed down through generations—tteokguk. Tteokguk is not just a traditional dish for Seollal, but also carries deep meaning within Korean culture, traditions, and historical context. In this post, we will explore the reasons behind eating tteokguk on Seollal, its symbolism, historical background, and cultural significance from an expert perspective.

 

Origin and Historical Background of Tteokguk

The origins of tteokguk date back before the Joseon Dynasty. Historical records suggest that tteokguk became a traditional holiday food during the Goryeo Dynasty, and by the Joseon Dynasty, it had firmly established itself as the representative food of Seollal.

 

The main ingredient of tteokguk, garaetteok (long rice cakes), is closely tied to the agricultural lifestyle of the time. Garaetteok is made from white rice, symbolizing purity and cleanliness, and marking a new beginning. Additionally, the process of stretching the rice cakes long symbolizes the wish for longevity. When sliced thinly and added to the soup, tteokguk represents the cyclical nature of time and the continuity of life.

 

According to the late Joseon period text Dongguk Sesigi, the tradition of eating tteokguk on the morning of Seollal is closely linked to the ritual of gaining a year in age, highlighting that tteokguk played a role beyond just being a meal.

 

Tteokguk is not just a holiday dish but an important heritage that symbolizes Korean identity and culture.

 

Symbolic Meaning of Tteokguk and Seollal

Tteokguk is a representative example of how the spirit and symbolism of Seollal are embodied through food. Seollal is not only the beginning of a new year but also a time for families to gather, honor their ancestors, and strengthen bonds. Tteokguk holds several important symbolic meanings in this process.

• A New Beginning
  The white color of tteokguk symbolizes cleanliness and a fresh start. Eating tteokguk on Seollal is a way to cleanse both the body and mind, leaving behind the past year and starting the new year with a renewed spirit.
• Longevity and Prosperity
  The long shape of the garaetteok represents longevity. When sliced into round shapes, they resemble coins, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. This shows that tteokguk is not just a dish to fill the stomach, but a symbolic ritual wishing for good fortune in the coming year.
• The Cycle of Time
  The act of slicing the rice cakes into circles expresses the cyclical nature of time and the natural order. This reinforces the idea that Seollal is not just the beginning of a new year but also a day to honor and align with the cycles of nature.

 

Cultural Value and Modern Interpretation of Tteokguk

Tteokguk is not just a food item; it is an important cultural element that reflects the life and philosophy of Koreans. Even today, tteokguk remains a symbolic food that marks the morning of Seollal. Its cultural value can be examined from several perspectives.

• Symbol of Family and Community
  The tradition of eating tteokguk on Seollal represents the value of family and communal bonding. In modern society, where family members often live far apart, this tradition holds even more significance. Sharing tteokguk together strengthens family ties and demonstrates key elements of Korean culture, such as filial piety (효) and harmony (화합).
• Preservation and Development of Tradition
  Tteokguk is a traditional food passed down through generations. The process of preparing tteokguk provides an opportunity for parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren, to interact and naturally learn about their heritage. This process goes beyond simply eating and serves as a way to pass on cultural traditions.
• Modern Reinterpretations
  Today, tteokguk is being reinterpreted in various ways with new ingredients and cooking methods. Instead of the traditional beef broth, seafood or vegetable broths are becoming more common, and creative changes are being made to the shape and ingredients of the rice cakes. These changes reflect an effort to maintain tradition while adapting to modern tastes and lifestyles.

 

Philosophical Implications of Tteokguk

Tteokguk reflects more than just the meal of Seollal morning; it also embodies the philosophy of life in Korea. The philosophical implications of tteokguk are as follows:

• Cycle and Continuity
  The round shape of the rice cakes symbolizes the cycle of the universe and nature, as well as the continuity of human life. This is linked to Confucian values and shows the influence of East Asian philosophy, which emphasizes harmony and balance.
• Concept of Time and Age
  In Korean culture, age is not merely a number but reflects social status and responsibility. The ritual of eating tteokguk and gaining a year symbolizes the responsibilities and growth associated with age. It is an important ceremony that reminds individuals of their role within the community.

 

Conclusion: The Present and Future of Tteokguk

Tteokguk is not just a holiday dish but an important heritage that symbolizes Korean identity and culture. The tradition of eating tteokguk on Seollal expresses wishes for new beginnings, longevity, and family harmony, and has served as a bridge connecting generations.

Even in modern society, the tradition of tteokguk retains its significance, continuing to evolve and add new value. Through tteokguk, we can rediscover not just a bowl of food, but the emotions, philosophies, and communal values that define the Korean way of life.