May is
among the best months to be in Korea. We have woken from hibernation, the weather
couldn’t be better. Any day is a great day as long as it's spent outside. The month is also chalked full
of holidays.
May 1st-
Korean Labor Day. Essentially a bank holiday and some public schools are
closed. Still a fine day for learning English at WILS…
May 5th-
Children’s Day. This is Christmas for Korean children. Kids have been talking
about it all week, and longer. Presents they will receive from parents and
teachers. Places and activities they will go and do. They are psyched.
Cinco de Mayo- Not to be confused with May 5th. Celebrating involved fajitas, margaritas, and...frozen guacamole? Only in Korea...
Cinco de Mayo- Not to be confused with May 5th. Celebrating involved fajitas, margaritas, and...frozen guacamole? Only in Korea...
May 8th-
Parent’s Day. Originally Mother’s Day but changed so that fathers don’t feel
alienated. Children shower their parents with carnations, letters of
appreciation, and…cosmetic surgery?
May 12th-
American Mother’s Day. This year my mom will spend it packing for Korea! When
she arrives a few days later, she will be celebrated fully. Brunch is already planned out...
May 15th-
Teacher’s Day. A perk of teaching. My adult students took me out to a 2.5 hour buffet lunch. It's kind of an American place but Koreans love VIPS so I was in for the experience. In recent years Teacher's Day has lent itself to lavish gifts and bribery…my day involved more modest flowers, chocolate, cards, and a scarf.
The
8th day of the 4th lunar month (also known as May 17th this year)-
Buddha’s Birthday. Hanging lanterns glow
on all major streets leading to a Buddhist temple because it's birthday month for this lucky guy. Rituals and big parades will
ensue. All schools (including mine) get it off!
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