Gaecheonjeol
| Gaecheonjeol | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Gaecheonjeol |
| Also called | National Foundation Day |
| Observed by | South Koreans |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Celebrates the founding of the state of Gojoseon |
| Date | 3 October |
| Next time | 3 October 2014 |
| Gaecheonjeol | |
| Hangul | 개천절 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 開天節 |
| Revised Romanization | Gaecheonjeol |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kaech'ǒnjǒl |
Gaecheonjeol (Korean: 개천절) is a public holiday in South Korea on 3 October. Also known by the English name National Foundation Day, this holiday celebrates the creation of the state of Gojoseon (ancient Korea) founded by Dangun Wanggeom in the year 2333 BC. Gaecheonjeol is also recognized in North Korea, although not as a public holiday, with an annual ceremony at the Mausoleum of Tangun.
Origin
Gaecheon (or "Opening of Heaven") refers to 3 October B.C. 2457, the date when Hwanung (환웅) descended from heaven to live with mankind.
The harvest ceremony was celebrated in each Korean kingdoms; Yeonggo (영고) of Buyeo, Mucheon (무천) of Yemaek, Gyeeum (계음) of Mahan and Byeonhan, Dongmaeng (동맹) of Goguryeo, Palgwanheoi (팔관회) of Silla.
In 1909, Gaecheonjeol was enacted as a national holiday.[1] The festival is held annually. At first, Gaecheonjeol had been celebrated on the 3rd day of the 10th month on the lunar calendar but it has been celebrated on 3 October on the solar (Gregorian) calendar since 1949.