#korean lunar new year

This “Stepping on the Spirit of the Earth Ceremony” is being held at the Morning Glory stationary store on Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. This ceremony is a part of the Korean Lunar New Year’s celebration and performed annually by the Work and Play group. (Courtesy of Korean American Resource and Cultural Center.)

Jishin Balpgi, literally meaning “Stepping on the Spirit of the Earth,” is a traditional folk festival marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year in the Korean calendar dating back more than 4,300 years. 

Il Kwa Nori, meaning “Work and Play” in Korean, is composed of Korean American artists who perform traditional Korean percussion ensemble, called poongmul. For centuries, poongmul has been performed by commoners in Korea to celebrate hard work, build courage and hope for the future, give thanks for a good harvest, and generally liven up daily life. For this reason, poongmul is known as music of the people.