Winter Solstice Patjuk (Red Bean Porridge): Korean Tradition and Significance - Experience it Yourself (Video Included)

The winter solstice is the day of the year with the longest night and shortest day. It is also the day when the sun's zenith is lowest, and it has been considered a turning point where the yin (陰) energy reaches its peak and the yang (陽) energy begins anew. On this winter solstice, Koreans have observed the custom of eating "patjuk," a red bean porridge. More than just a seasonal food, dongji patjuk embodies various meanings and symbols deeply rooted in Korean culture.

1. The Meaning of the Winter Solstice and "Little Seoll"

The winter solstice has been considered an important seasonal event, even referred to as "Little Seoll" (작은 설). This is because it marks the point at which the days begin to lengthen again, signifying the rebirth of the sun. In ancient agricultural societies, the sun's movement was directly linked to agricultural abundance, so the winter solstice was not merely a change of seasons but a day signifying hope and a new beginning. As the proverb "You only age another year after the winter solstice" suggests, the winter solstice also served as a benchmark for age.

Let's try! Korean Food! - Dongji Patjuk - What is this?

2. The Red Color of Red Beans and the Meaning of Warding Off Evil (辟邪)

The core of dongji patjuk is the red color of the red beans. Traditionally, red symbolizes yang (陽) energy and has been believed to possess the power to ward off evil (辟邪), including bad luck, evil spirits, and illness. Because the winter solstice is considered the day when the yin energy is strongest, eating red bean porridge was meant to dispel this negative energy and pray for health and peace in the new year. The custom of sprinkling red bean porridge throughout the house or applying it to the front door or walls can also be understood in the same context. This is an act imbued with the earnest desire to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune.

3. The Meaning of "Saealsim" (Small Rice Balls) and Wishes for Longevity

Small rice balls made of glutinous rice, called 'saealsim,' are added to the red bean porridge. The name comes from their resemblance to bird eggs. There's a custom of eating as many saealsim as one's age, conveying wishes for the family's health and longevity. Saealsim are also called 'ongsimi' or 'year's (해) egg,' linking to the winter solstice's meaning as the rebirth of the sun and the start of a new year. The act of eating saealsim transcends simply consuming food and can be interpreted as a ritualistic act of welcoming the new year.

Dongji Patjuk Golden Recipe for Everyone's Success!👍 I've been using this method for 50 years! 💯

4. The Origin and Historical Records of Dongji Patjuk

The exact origin of dongji patjuk is unknown, but the theory that it was influenced by ancient Chinese customs is strong. Ancient Chinese texts tell of a story where the unruly son of Gonggong died and became an evil spirit, but he feared red beans, leading to the custom of eating red bean porridge to drive away evil spirits. This custom is believed to have spread to Korea and become established as the practice of eating red bean porridge on the winter solstice. The appearance of records of the winter solstice red bean porridge custom in the Joseon Dynasty text, <Dongguk Sesigi>, indicates that it is a tradition with a long history.

5. Dongji Patjuk's Cooking Method and Regional Differences

Dongji patjuk is made by boiling red beans until soft, mashing them, and then adding rice and simmering it into a porridge. When boiling the red beans, it's important to discard the first boiled water to remove the beans' astringency. Some regions boil the beans whole instead of mashing them, and other grains may be used instead of rice. Saealsim are made by kneading glutinous rice flour into a dough, shaping them into small balls, and cooking them in the boiling red bean porridge. The size and shape of the saealsim, and the consistency of the red bean porridge, vary slightly by region.

Don't struggle boiling red beans! If you make Dongji Patjuk like this, it's really easy, and the nutty taste is amazing.

6. Dongji Patjuk in Modern Society

The custom of eating dongji patjuk continues in modern society. While some families still make it at home, busy modern people often buy it from restaurants or order it through food delivery apps. Korea's advanced food delivery culture, in particular, makes it easy to access this traditional food, playing a significant role in the modern continuation of this tradition. Dongji patjuk is also readily available at large supermarkets and convenience stores, allowing even more people to reflect on the meaning of the winter solstice while enjoying the porridge.

7. The Cultural Meaning and Value of Dongji Patjuk

Dongji patjuk is more than just food; it's a cultural symbol that blends traditional Korean beliefs, wisdom, and modern lifestyles. It embodies various meanings, including the wisdom of ancestors in warding off evil and praying for good fortune, sharing warm food with family, and continuing traditions through modern conveniences.

8. Proverbs and Customs Related to Dongji Patjuk

• "You only age another year after the winter solstice.": This signifies that the winter solstice served as a benchmark for age.
• "You only truly age after eating winter solstice red bean porridge.": Similar to the above, it reflects the perception that the year ends and a new one begins only after eating dongji patjuk.
• The custom of sprinkling red bean porridge throughout the house: This is meant to ward off evil spirits and ensure the household's peace.
• The custom of offering red bean porridge at the ancestral shrine: This carries the meaning of offering food made from the new harvest to the ancestors.

9. Experiencing Dongji Patjuk and Related Events

Around the winter solstice in Korea, various places hold dongji patjuk sharing or experiential events. Traditional villages or temples may offer free porridge, or run programs where people can make their own. These events allow many to reflect on the meaning of the winter solstice and experience traditional culture.

Don't bother with the difficult process of boiling red beans! This method of making Dongji Patjuk is truly simple and yields a deliciously rich and nutty flavor.

10. Conclusion: The Modern Value of Dongji Patjuk

Dongji patjuk is an important traditional Korean food with a long history. More than just food, it's a precious cultural heritage imbued with the wisdom and beliefs of our ancestors, and community culture. In modern society, sharing dongji patjuk with family and neighbors, continuing the tradition, and praying for health and happiness in the new year remains meaningful. We hope that the tradition of dongji patjuk will continue, carrying its meaning and value to future generations. If you visit Korea in winter, we recommend trying a bowl of warm dongji patjuk to experience Korea's warmth and culture.

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