Korean Ancestral Rites

Yesterday, instead of going to Jeon-ju to commemorate "Jesa or "제사", an "ancestor worship or sacrificial rites" for my husband's father, we celebrated it in our house. It was based on a traditional belief that "when people die, their spirits do not immediately depart; they stay with their descendants for four generations". During this occassion, a great feast is being prepared by the family members and a special care is taken while preparing the sumptuous meal.

Certain foods (red fruit for example) are placed on the east side of the table, while others (white fruit) must go on the west side. The row of food closest to those participating in the ceremony holds fruit, the next row, vegetables. Thick soups and a variety of meat and fish go on the next row with the far back row holding blows of rice and soup, as well as spoons and chopsticks. A small table holding an incense burner is placed in front of the ‘altar’ table and in front of it, a tray with wine is placed. Everyone bows three times – two head-to-floor bows, and then a light bow from the waist). The eldest son then offers a cup of wine after rotating it three times in the incense smoke. A younger brother assists by holding the cup while the wine is poured and then, after the wine offering, he moves the chopsticks to a plate of food. Everyone repeats the bowing ritual. Once the wine offering is completed, the eldest places the spoon in the rice bowl and the men either leave the room or turn their backs to the table so that the ancestor can eat in peace. After a few minutes, the men return, replace the soup with a bowl of water. They all bow again three times to conclude the ritual. The food is then served to all the family members

Definitely, I have to make a proper "Insa" therefore my husband's older and younger sister told me how to do it the right way. I feel glad that I've been warmly accepted in their clan.