조선시대 절사(節祀)에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study aims to examine the cultural characteristics of holiday ancestral memorial rites held by the public during the Joseon Dynasty. Methods will include a literature review that focuses on the fact that holiday ancestral memorial rites, which have continued as a part of Korean living culture, are a combination of a ritual and a seasonal event. For this purpose, eight ritual books written from the 16th to 18th century and seven books of seasonal events written from the 18th to 19th century were reviewed. The main results of this study are as follows: First, Lunar New Year’s Day, which is the first day of the first lunar month of a year and the beginning of a new year; Dongji (winter solstice), which is the day of closing a year; and Chuseok, which is the 15th lunar day of August, were of great importance as rites linking people to their ancestors. Through this, this study was able to affirm the meaning of Chamrye (參禮) as an origin of Charye (茶禮: memorial rite for ancestors). It was a ritual of affection where people visited their ancestors at a shrine and offered them tea early in the morning of holidays. Second, Myoje (墓祭: memorial rite held in front of the grave) was a unique custom, which was a practice of filial piety continued even after the death of one’s ancestors.
 However, scholars in the Joseon Dynasty actually regarded it unfilial that sacrificial food loses its original sanctity after being frozen or going bad due to cold or hot weather on holidays, such as Lunar New Year’s Day or Dano, or that descendants suffer poor health caused by their long trip to grave sites. This shows that Joseon scholars acknowledged the necessity of Myoje, yet demonstrated their flexibility in ritual practices depending on circumstances. Third, Sishik (時食: special seasonal food prepared for holiday memorial rites) of Sokjjeol (俗節: ancestor-memorial days) was an expression of affection towards one’s ancestors. People tried to exhibit sincerity
 through seasonal food which is special, yet simple, and prepared within their budget. In addition, Sishik, food cooked with good medicinal and nutritional ingredients, was the representation of a wish for the good health of not only one’s ancestors, but also descendants, neighbors, and visitors. In conclusion, holiday ancestral memorial rites held by the public during the Joseon Dynasty were a friendly and simple ritual culture linking descendants to their ancestors, and at the same time, seasonal event culture where filial piety and affection were expressed through special seasonal food filled with sincerity. This finding regarding the meaning of holiday ancestral memorial rites can be used for
 future academic research on rituals and seasonal events and the development of cultural contents. It also can be utilized in education to highlight the importance of the psychological value inherent in Korean living culture.