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Post by BungalowDweller on Mar 2, 2005 11:31:47 GMT -5
Can someone explain the meaning of the memorial service? It looked like there were all types of food and goodies piled up before a picture of the father. It looked like an alter to me. Are they left up all the time? What happens to the offerings (if that's what they are) after the service is over?
It is reminiscent of altars I used to see in people's homes when I was a kid, only there were statues of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, The Infant of Prague, St. Patrick,etc., complete with burning votive candles, depending upon the ethnicity of the family. And these were all Roman Catholics. I have also seen icons in the homes of Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Polish people.
Since J-S and Yujin were standing in a church making vows and praying I assumed that they were Christians. Do Christians have Memorial Services in their homes for their loved ones as shown in the episode? What is the origin of the Memorial Service? I always thought it was ancestor worship and therefore something that a Christian wouldn't do. It is such a beautiful gesture.
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Post by Lucy on Mar 2, 2005 11:49:57 GMT -5
BD, I don't know a lot about it, but I think that Koreans who are Christians (Catholicism and Protestantism are both pretty strong there) still observe the Confucian customs. The annual commemoration of--I think it's the birthday, or is it the death-day?--is not prohibited by Christianity as I understand it. It's not really ancestor worship, but more like paying respects to ancestors. They do seem to be thought of as still "alive" or in the world in a metaphysical sense, and thus able to look out/intercede for relatives on Earth, like the saints, I think. The symbolic food and drink offerings are set up just for that ceremony, which I think always takes place in the living room, which is cleared for the ceremony. It seems to be a brief thing, paying respects and praying. I may be off, but this is just what I've gleaned from seeing many such ceremonies on the tube.  |
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Post by Alexa on Mar 2, 2005 12:01:08 GMT -5
Can someone explain the meaning of the memorial service? It looked like there were all types of food and goodies piled up before a picture of the father. It looked like an alter to me. Are they left up all the time? What happens to the offerings (if that's what they are) after the service is over? I think it's part of the culture. I remember when I was little we use to celebrate Day of the Dead (Mexican Tradition) where we would honor those that had died, and we would have food and drinks for them. Do Christians have Memorial Services in their homes for their loved ones as shown in the episode? What is the origin of the Memorial Service? I always thought it was ancestor worship and therefore something that a Christian wouldn't do. As a Christian myself we don't have memorial services like the ones shown in WLS. At least I've never seen one. There might be a service, (church service) where you talk about the person and their life. But not a home service where you actually put out food and drinks for the deceased. I guess it all depends on the denomination. |
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Post by lucyunlogged on Mar 2, 2005 12:07:47 GMT -5
Wait, are you Korean, Alexa? My comments were meant to apply to Christians in Korea. I'm an American who was raised Catholic, and they don't do memorial services, either. I meant, and I think BD meant, the situation of Christians living in the Korean culture, which has historical (and present) elements of Confucianism and Buddhism.
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Post by BungalowDweller on Mar 2, 2005 12:38:46 GMT -5
I meant, and I think BD meant, the situation of Christians living in the Korean culture, which has historical (and present) elements of Confucianism and Buddhism. Yes, I did,Lucy, although all the replies have been interesting. |
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Post by Alexa on Mar 3, 2005 9:14:25 GMT -5
Wait, are you Korean, Alexa? My comments were meant to apply to Christians in Korea. I'm Mexican, but I wish I understood korean  |
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Post by BungalowDweller on Mar 3, 2005 12:40:46 GMT -5
I wish I understood korean Yeah, me too Alexa. We are thinking of looking into getting a Korean course. I think that the Rosetta Stone company makes one. If I have time today, I'm going to find out. Language is a nice hobby. |
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Post by Alexa on Mar 3, 2005 12:43:52 GMT -5
That would be cool.
Let me know.
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Post by Lucy on Mar 3, 2005 13:55:47 GMT -5
Hey, guys, I came across a link to a free online Korean course: korean.sogang.ac.kr/I didn't look very far into it, but at first glance, it looks like it provides a good basis in the language. |
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