The Year of the Pig has arrived...

Lunar New Year is a big event in Korea. Everyone takes a three day holiday and goes home to visit family. Last night we were invited for New Year's dinner at the home of Susie Kim's good friends, On Yang and Hua Ja (photo1). The meal was exquisite. They cooked Shabu Shabu (vegetables and meat in a hot pot broth) right at the table. YUM !!
Today we were invited to Euisook Kim and her husband Suk Won Hong's home (photo 2). All the parents and grandparents wear traditional Korean dress. The events started with a ceremony of ancestor worship (photo 3). All the men particiapted in this service first. The #1 son representing each generation bowed to the offering sitting before a picture of the grandparents. The women bowed next. Euisook's father-in-law is the eldest in the family and held the highest honor. ( photo 4 in the bright blue). The ceremony was followed by brunch and delicious food - all prepared especially for this special holiday ( photos 5 & 6). Koreans traditionally sit on the floor. We were seated at the dining table as special guests. After the meal, the young people in the family must bow to the elders ( photos 7,8 & 9). In response, the elders all give the young people a gift of money (photo 10). We were prepared !! John passed out crisp new 1000 Won bills and Colorado quarters.