In Korea, New Year is not just flipping the calendar or throwing fireworks because the date change. It feel more deep, more serious, and kind of warm in the heart too. When I learn a bit about it, I realize they have this thing called “New Year’s Deokdam,” which is like saying good wishes for the new year to people around you. But its not only like “happy new year” and run away. Its a real greeting with respect and feeling behind, like wishing health, long life, success, peace, maybe luck also. And people say it to family, to neighbors, elders, friends, even coworkers, and they do it like it has meaning and not just because tradition force them.
When I think about it, I remember how my own parents taught me growing up that words matter. If you say something good from your heart, it can bless someone or at least make them feel better in their journey. We used to visit elders during holiday and share good words also, even in Nigeria or India style, depending who you ask. So when I saw Korean Deokdam style, it sort of remind me of that moral teaching from home, like showing respect and care don’t take money but it give so much value.
One thing I notice too is Koreans really value health when they say greeting. They always wish “stay healthy” or “don’t get sick” because they believe health is one big fortune. My mom also use to say if you have health and peace, you already rich. At younger age I didn’t understand it well because I was thinking money is most important, but later I see that without health you cant even enjoy your goals.
This year beginning make me reflect on how people in different cultures celebrate but the lesson is similar: start fresh, care for other people, and speak positive things ahead. To me that is a beautiful part of humanity that we sometimes forget. We get stuck in rushing, posting online, doing everyday stress, and we don’t even say simple good wishes to people around us.
So honestly, I kind of like this Deokdam mentality. It feel noble and peaceful. I think we should also try to do same, maybe not in Korean language but in our own style. Just telling someone “I hope this year treat you well” or “I wish you good health” can change someone’s mood and even their whole year energy. And that is powerful thing for free.
https://vote.hive.uno/@thebbhproject
https://vote.hive.uno/@hivecuba
Support the witness and vote for TheBbhProject carried out by
