A Quiet Celebration

Traditional Bowing

Lunar New Years in Korea creates major traffic congestion. It's family time and it takes people twice as long, on average, to reach their relatives' towns.

The quiet I felt in Suwon this weekend-- shops closed, unpopulated streets, was also felt in Tae Hun's home. Unlike the heart pattering of Christmas; people sweating in Walmart and laughing over wine, Lunar New Years was contemplative.

Tae Hun's Mother is Buddhist so there was an inherent stillness in the ceremonies.

The family lounged and spoke only when they had something to say. Nothing was forced. Koreans, especially Korean men, don't feel the need to chit-chat. They are comfortable in silence, will sit together comfortably saying nothing.

I often think I need to keep conversation alive, even though I'm not an overly chatty person. I rate the success of social encounters on how well discussions flow. Sunday, I reveled in the relaxed atmosphere. Tae Hun's family even took turns napping on the floor, throughout the day.