SEOUL — Ahead of Chuseok in 2026, one of South Korea's biggest traditional holidays, the Korean Confucianism Academy (acting president Lee Sang-gyun, hereinafter referred to as "IKCA") has highlighted the true meaning of the holiday in modern society: easing the burden of excessive ancestral table preparation while reviving family harmony and solidarity.

"Amid the recurring fatigue and generational conflicts caused by preparing ritual foods every year ahead of the holiday, it is time to reflect on the original Confucian spirit of 'Gyeong' (respect) and 'Wa' (harmony)," IKCA stated, presenting a new direction for holiday culture.

Traditional Ancestral Rites in Literature: Originally Simple Ceremonies with Seasonal Foods and Fruits

Traditional memorial rites were not originally elaborate ceremonies laden with massive amounts of food as they often are today. According to the Zhuzi Jiali (Family Rituals of Master Zhu), which prescribed offering seasonal foods (sisik) during seasonal holidays, rites were simple rituals where newly harvested seasonal foods and fruits were offered to ancestors first as an expression of respect.

This spirit is also confirmed in Confucian classics. In the Analects (Baoyi chapter), when the disciple Lin Fang asked about the fundamental root of ritual, Confucius replied, "A very important question! In general, ritual should be frugal rather than extravagant; in mourning, deep sorrow is better than superficial observance." Confucius's reply demonstrates that the spirit of ritual (rye) values restraint and sincerity over flashy formalism, which precisely aligns with today's discussions on simplifying ancestral tables.

The academy explained that today's greasy pancakes and complex sacrificial spreads heavy enough to bow a table are not original Confucian etiquette, but rather byproducts excessively formalized through modern history. In short, gratitude toward ancestors lies in a sincere heart rather than flashy formality, and preparing sacrificial offerings with modesty and frugality aligns with the true nature of Confucianism.

Holidays as the Sole Time and Space Linking "Extended Family Bonds" in Nuclear and Fragmented Societies

From an anthropological perspective, modern Chuseok holds renewed communal value. For modern individuals fragmented in daily life due to the surge of single-person households and nuclear families, the Chuseok holiday serves as a rare opportunity for parents, siblings, and relatives—the "extended family"—to gather in one place and restore emotional bonds. In other words, regular rituals like holidays function to periodically bring together dispersed community members to reaffirm social ties.

Furthermore, the custom of preparing and sharing food with sincerity can be understood as a symbolic act that connects and strengthens relationships between ancestors and descendants, as well as among gathered relatives, regardless of material abundance. Viewed from this perspective, the value of holiday food lies not in the richness of the table setting, but in generations exchanging hearts through it.

IKCA emphasized, "Instead of excessive labor and stress spent on preparing food, creating a harmonious atmosphere where family and relatives, meeting after a long time, can check on each other's well-being and share generational affection is the most crucial role of the modern holiday."

IKCA Hopes for a Holiday of Gratitude to Ancestors and Harmony Among Families

Acting President Lee Sang-gyun stated, "In Confucianism, 'ritual' (rye) is not a shackle binding people, but a principle that comfortably and warmly connects human beings. We hope that a healthy and warm holiday culture will take root where remembrance and gratitude toward ancestors are replaced with a sincere heart, and table settings are scaled down so that the whole family can laugh and enjoy together."

IKCA plans to continue various cultural initiatives to re-interpret and promote the healing and harmonious values of traditional Confucian culture in tune with modern social trends.

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