Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year is first day of the lunar calendar. It is one of the most celebrated national holidays in Korea.
This year, Seollal falls on Friday, February 12. Most years’ Seollal is a time for Koreans to return to their hometowns to pay respect to their ancestors, as well as catch up with family members. As is custom, the day before is also a legal holiday, so for most the holiday begins on Thursday, February 11.
With COVID we can expect greatly limited family interactions, so we need to extra sensitive and understanding as many will be missing family and friends.
The Year of the OX
Every Lunar year is represented by one of the twelve zodiac signs, which take the form of twelve guardian animal deities collectively known as Sibijisin. These signs change with every year, rotating over a 12-year cycle. 2021 is the Year of the White Ox.
The Korean Ox traits are hardworking, patient, and honest in nature, so too, good and much-needed business traits for 2021. They also show traits of being down-to-earth, methodical and when needed—fierce and stubborn.
As a powerful animal, with COVID and a busy year ahead, we can draw upon the Ox traits to keep the projects on track and the teams safe, happy and strong.
I recommend you wish your friend and colleagues a happy and safe new year the day before… For many in the West and with the time difference that means sometime on Tuesday.
As for the common greeting, sae hae bok mani ba deu say oh works best.
Questions? I’d be happy to answer.
Don
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