Chilseok (七夕), Night of Sevens

"Chilseok" (七夕), which literally means "the night of sevens," falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The day celebrates the legend of the annual encounter between Gyeonu (牽牛星) and Jiknyeo (織女星), two planets situated at opposite ends of the galaxy.

서산의 옷말리기와 여주의 영정포쇄차례

Drying Clothes in Seosan City, Chungcheongnam-do	Yeongjeong Poswe Charye in Yeoju City, Gyeonggi-do

On this day there is a custom, called "Sweseopoeui" (曬書曝衣), of drying clothes and books in the sunlight in order to remove moisture and prevent moth damage. Rainfall on "Chilseok" is referred to as the "tears of joy" shed by the planets Gyeonu and Jiknyeo, which were believed to be portents of a good harvest that year. A legend has it that women of some Gyeongsangbuk-do regions believed that if on this day they secretly stitchthe insides of their husbands’ clothes they would have their wishes granted and bring them good luck.

정산의 칠석고산

Chilseok Rituals in Jeongseon County, Gangwon-do

"Chilseok" was observed with an evening ritual called "Chilseong Gido," facing the Big Dipper. In front of the ceremonial altar set with offerings such as "Baekseolgi" rice cakes, melon, liquor and meat, the participants would pray for a long life (壽命長壽). Families that were unfortunate with regard to children prayed for sons (得男) and the long life of their children.

칠석놀이와 관련 자료

Chilseoknori Traditions
Busasaem	Gilnori in Front of Busasaem	Buyong and Sadeuk
Preparing for the Saemgosa Ritual	The Prayers of Devout Wives	Reciting a Written Prayer, Saemgocha

All of the traditional customs performed on "Chilseok" are collectively called "Chilseoknori." To the west of Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, from the last day of June until July 10, the villagers of Alchon and Hagyemaeul in Jinyeong-eup performed a ritual to "Taejongsin" (太宗神), a local deity, while flying flags on tall poles and playing miscellaneous folk music (雜樂). Drinking and wrestling matches were part of the festival, but since it ended on July 10, the custom was regarded as a hindrance to farming and was abolished, only to be revived after a tiger attacked some domestic animals.