Get Rid of Old-Fashioned Ideas and Make Ancestor Worship a Family Affair

Chusok is right around the corner. For most, festivities, a family reunion and a feast mark this holiday. But for women and oldest sons, preparing food and setting the traditional ancestrial table can be a time-consuming endeavor.

Womenlink, www.womenlink.co.kr, suggests these tips: Take turns organizing, involve both sexes and let women participate.

Divvy-up the responsibilities between all the children. Don't push the task of organizing the events onto the oldest son, let all the children make decisions.

Shopping and cooking is no longer 'women's work'. Sharing the workload facilitates peace and harmony. Also, men and women setting the ancestrial table together honors ancestors.

Discard the old notion that women cannot participate in ancestrial worship. Make the holidays a time when the entire family can bow, light incense and eat together.

Also, think of your neighbors. Don't forget the less fortunate such as orphans and single mothers. One way of spreading holiday cheer is to share your wealth and joy.

Check out womenlink's website for an indepth article on "Suggestions for Spending the Family Holiday." They also offer a quiz to evaluate "equality intelligence" when it comes to the holiday season.

by Sung Shi-youn