Gwallye and Gyerye :: Cultures Diary

Gwallye and Gyerye

February 26, 2007 |18:38 | Growingup Rituals By : Zeenia Shah

In the Confucian society coming of age rituals were performed when a person reached young adulthood, which is between the ages of 15 to 20. This practice is still prevalent in Korea.

The rite was called Gwallye in the case of boys. Young men were allowed to wear gat hats and their hair was tied into top knots for the first time. In the rural areas the custom was simpler. A young man was made to lift a heavy stone to prove that he was strong enough to shoulder the responsibilities of an adult, and join the work force.

The ceremony for girls was called Gyerye. The initiate’s hair was formed into a chignon and ornamental hair pins were inserted. It signified the young woman’s maturity and was a prerequisite for marriage.

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