Seokjeon Daeje (Confucius Memorial Rite)
The formal Confucian rite honoring Confucius and his disciples, performed twice yearly.
Since 2007 Seokjeon Daeje has been held twice a year at Sungkyunkwan and Korea's local hyanggyo, on May 11 in spring and September 28 in autumn. Before 2007 it followed the lunar calendar in the second and eighth months.
When Is Seokjeon Daeje (Confucius Memorial Rite)?
Since 2007 Seokjeon Daeje has been held twice a year at Sungkyunkwan and Korea's local hyanggyo, on May 11 in spring and September 28 in autumn. Before 2007 it followed the lunar calendar in the second and eighth months.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Seokjeon Daeje is the formal ceremony honoring 39 sages: Confucius, his leading disciples, and later Chinese and Korean scholars, performed spring and fall at Confucian academies. One of the oldest continuously performed ritual ceremonies in East Asia, dating in Korea to at least 717, in the Silla period.
How It Is Observed
Elaborate ritual with traditional music (Munmyo Jeryeak), traditional costumes, ceremonial dance (Ilmu), offerings of incense, silk, grain, and wine at the ancestral tablets.