Study: Simpler Charye Table Was Traditionally the Norm
Creatrip Team
6 months ago
The National Institute of Korean Confucian Culture said that charye (ancestral memorial rite for holidays) was traditionally a simple ritual focused on the act of respect rather than elaborate food displays. Reviewing classical texts, family records, and Joseon-era diaries, researchers found charye historically used minimal offerings—alcohol, fruit, and rice cakes—without strict rules on dish types or arrangements. The modern practice of large charye tables with many side dishes likely grew as charye and jesa (ancestor rites) became mixed and holiday gatherings grew larger. The institute recommends simplifying charye by reducing ceremonial items like dried persimmons, jujubes, soups, and preserved fish, and emphasizing shared holiday foods. Separately, Seoul market data show the cost of a 6–7 person charye table rose about 4% year-on-year, with traditional markets cheaper for fresh produce and meats but supermarkets sometimes cheaper for processed items.
