It serves a social and a community function and is part of the heritage and traditions of the culture. In order to understand the significance and importance of the festival one has to understand the background of Shamanism. The essential purpose of the festival still remains embedded in the ancient culture of Shamanism and its central function is to ensure, though respect and worship, the success of the next harvest. "Koreans believe that if you take care of your ancestors, your ancestors will take care of you. In traditional agricultural society, the harvest was the most important event of the year, and it was vital to make sure it was a success." (Liminality. 2004) Bibliography

Chang-Soo, K. Korean Traditions:Major holiday draws millions to their hometowns. 2001. Accessed February 23, 2005. http://www.skynews.co.kr/skynews_main/ENGLISH/culture/culture_039.htm

Chusuk. 2003. Accessed February 20, 2005. http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:eQLTDtnigtIJ:www.columbiaksa.org/public_files/chusuk_info.pdf+Chusuk&hl=en&start=1

Hoppal M. SHAMANISM in a POSTMODERN AGE. February...

http://www.folklore.ee/folklore/vol2/hoppal.htm
Liminality. 2004. Accessed February 20, 2005. http://www.liminality.org/archives/56/

Mousalimas S.A. Christianity and Shamanism. 2001. Accessed February 22, 2005. http://www.oxfordu.net/seoul/chapter3/index.html

Wong B.K. Chusok, February 23, 2005, http://www.familyculture.com/holidays/chusok.htm

Appendix

The following image represents the community quality of togetherness and celebration that marks this festival

Image 1. Source: http://www.clickasia.co.kr/about/h815.htm

The festival is marked by the preparation of special foods.

Image 2. Source: ibid

Image 3. Playing folk games during the festival

Source:

http://www.clickasia.co.kr/about/h0115.htm

Image 4. Distribution of Rice cakes

Source: http://english.etnews.co.kr/photonews/detail.html?id=20040920105316

Image 5. Preparing for the Ancestor worship ceremony in Korea

Source

http://www.loriloo.com/soyae2.html