[Cultural DNA] The Ritual of Connection: Understanding the Essence of Korean Jesa
Cultural DNA Series 2026 The Ritual of Connection: Understanding the Essence of Korean Jesa Chapter 01 What is Jesa? : The Station of Remembrance In the Korean cultural DNA, Jesa (제사) is far more than a religious ceremony; it is a spiritual anchor that connects the living with the departed. At its core, Jesa is a ritual of 'Hyo (효, Filial Piety)' that transcends the boundary of death, serving as a 'station of remembrance' where the family invites ancestors back into the living space. Traditionally, these rituals are performed at specific times: Gijesa (기제사) is held on the anniversary of the ancestor's death at the first hour of the day (Jasi, 11 PM – 1 AM), while Charye (차례) is performed on major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival) in the morning. Additionally, Myoje (묘제) takes place at the ancestral burial sites, usually dur...