Comparative Study on Seasonal Festival and Food Culture among the Korea, China and Japan

한.중.일 세시풍속과 세시음식(歲時飮食)에 대한 비교

We conducted a consensual, expansive, and successive study to compare cultural differences and similarities between Korean, Chinese and Japanese's Seasonal Festivals and Foods documentarily. It showed interesting results that the three countries had celebrated with similar meanings, and shared similar events and special foods. Seasonal Festivals happen throughout the year sequentially: the New Year Day, January $15^{th}$(first full moon festival), March $3^{rd}$(double three day), May $5^{th}$(double five day), July $7^{th}$(double seven day) and finally the Year Farewell Festival. While, the festival of a royal birthday of Buddha happens on April $8^{th}$ in both countries: Korea and Japan. There is also one of the big festivals called the harvest moon festival on August $15^{th}$, and this event celebrates with special foods both in Korea and China. On December $23^{th}$, it is a special day for both Chinese and Japanese, but they celebrate the day with different meanings to it. Three countries have a special seasonal event celebrated each other. Koreans have a special event called Sambok to overcome summer with special food during a middle of June to the beginning of July. Chinese have a special event for overcoming winter with soup on December $8^{th}$. Japanese have a special event with rice cake to safety on January $11^{th}$. On these seasonal festivals, it is different to note that two different kinds of calendars are used. The lunar calendar is used by Koreans and Chinese whereas the solar calendar is used by Japanese. Because of the similarity in Buddhism, and agricultural industry, and especially sharing Chinese Characters in words, these three countries have in common in many ways to celebrate Seasonal Festival, and it is very unique custom in the world. Nowadays; however, these traditional events and special foods are changing in more simplified version and almost disappearing in all three countries. Therefore, we suggest that the Seasonal Festivals and Foods should be more emphasized in flourishing and exchanging between Korea, China and Japan.