When I first arrived in
Daegu, I spent a lot of time immersed in learning about the culture of South Korea. From food, to fashion, religion and to holidays...I was the student. Now as the teacher, I find that as I am preparing to leave the season has changed and I get to share some of my culture with my students. In teaching about Halloween, I was amazed how the children responded. Specifically to the telling of how children get to go from door to door to beg for candy, using the magical phrase, "Trick or Treat". Of course, some omissions about the
pranking...which I am sure a lot of you may or may not admit to doing something to a house or two if said candy was
sub par or even worse...the total absence of candy or occupants who had left their
porch light on.
The ever popular jack-o-lanterns were carved, with pumpkin guts scooped by children that fought over whose turn it was. Sometimes this holiday just brings out the best in children...like greed and rotting teeth. However, what I loved about today, was watching the pure reaction as they
oohed over the faces as they emerged. And then it hit me. This is the first time they have had anything to do with Halloween...and it may be the only time they celebrate it. I recalled the same reaction for me, as I have learned and experienced so many things here...like a child holding on to a new experience or discovery and being able to give that experience to someone else...is priceless.
When I first arrived in Daegu, I spent a lot of time immersed in learning about the culture of South Korea. From food, to fashion, religion and to holidays...I was the student. Now as the teacher, I find that as I am preparing to leave the season has changed and I get to share some of my culture with my students. In teaching about Halloween, I was amazed how the children responded. Specifically to the telling of how children get to go from door to door to beg for candy, using the magical phrase, "Trick or Treat". Of course, some omissions about the pranking...which I am sure a lot of you may or may not admit to doing something to a house or two if said candy was sub par or even worse...the total absence of candy or occupants who had left their porch light on. 
The ever popular jack-o-lanterns were carved, with pumpkin guts scooped by children that fought over whose turn it was. Sometimes this holiday just brings out the best in children...like greed and rotting teeth. However, what I loved about today, was watching the pure reaction as they oohed over the faces as they emerged. And then it hit me. This is the first time they have had anything to do with Halloween...and it may be the only time they celebrate it. I recalled the same reaction for me, as I have learned and experienced so many things here...like a child holding on to a new experience or discovery and being able to give that experience to someone else...is priceless.
4 comments:
So glad you are sharing Halloween with everyone over there! It's my favorite holiday and I celebrated it with everyone in Korea the entire 8 years I live there! My husband, who is Korean, now looks forward to it. We are having an adult costume party tonight in our living room with LIVE jazz music.
PS-I'd love to guest blog...how do I go about doing that??
Peace to you and love your blog, Kathy
Kathy, I found your email addy. Look forward to having you.
It was great for the kids! I was an angel on one day, and the next a gypsy...
Marilyn
I find the same "ah-hah" moment when a child "sees" something for the first time priceless. It's what keeps me doing what I do as well. I love the pictures you take--it helps me visualize a place on the other side of the world from me. Each time I come to visit you, you give me my "ah-hah" moment. Thanks! cj
Well Ms. Heald...I am glad to add to your joy!
Kindest regards!!!
Marilyn
Post a Comment