Embracing the Spirit of Korean New Year: A Heartwarming Rice Cake Soup Sharing Event in Jinhae
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| Volunteers and senior citizens pose for a commemorative photo during the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Jinhae Branch's 'Beautiful Seniors' volunteer activity held at the Jaeun Neighbourhood Senior Centre on the 12th February. {A.I. modified} |
Tteokguk, or rice cake soup, is a quintessential dish enjoyed during Seollal (Lunar New Year) in Korea. Eating a bowl of tteokguk symbolises gaining a year in age, as well as starting the New Year with a clean slate. The thinly sliced rice cakes, resembling coins, signify wealth and prosperity, while the broth's clarity represents purity and fresh beginnings. Families traditionally gather to share this meal, expressing gratitude and setting intentions for the year ahead. Therefore, the act of sharing tteokguk with others carries a profound cultural meaning, representing the wish for communal harmony and blessings for all.
This tradition recently served as the foundation for a special event held by the Jinhae Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group that warmed the hearts of many in the region, in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year on 12th February.
On that day, the Jinhae Branch carried out its “Beautiful Seniors Service” at the Jaeun Neighbourhood Senior Centre, where volunteers served 20 senior citizens freshly boiled tteokguk with pickled kimchi and side dishes that had been meticulously prepared the previous day. Following the meal, the volunteers held a singing competition, sharing laughter and singing with the senior citizens.
Meanwhile, the 'Beautiful Seniors' campaign supports the happy and healthy retirement of the senior demographic under the slogan, "Just one beautiful day is a life beautifully lived."
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