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Garaetteok Day (가래떡 데이)
Garaetteok Day (가래떡 데이), celebrated on November 11th, is a special occasion in South Korea dedicated to 가래떡 (garaetteok), a type of long, thin rice cake traditionally used in tteokguk (떡국), the soup eaten during the Lunar New Year (설날). This day honors Korea’s rice farmers and highlights the significance of garaetteok, as it is a symbol of long life and health, with its long shape representing the wish for longevity.
What is Garaetteok?
Garaetteok (가래떡) is a traditional Korean rice cake made by pounding steamed non-glutinous rice flour into a dough and then stretching it into long, cylindrical shapes.
Symbolism of Garaetteok
In Korea, the elongated shape of garaetteok symbolizes longevity, much like the wish for a long, healthy life in many cultures. It’s often seen during New Year’s celebrations, where eating tteokguk, rice cake soup made with garaetteok, is believed to bring good fortune and a year of health, long life, and a fresh start to the rest of the year. Garaetteok Day not only serves as a reminder of tteokguk’s cultural importance but also brings families together to celebrate the time-honored tradition.
Garaetteok Day’s Connection to 11/11
Garaetteok Day was established in 2006 by the Korean government. The date 11/11 was chosen for Garaetteok Day due to its visual similarity to the long, straight shape of garaetteok.
How is Garaetteok Day Celebrated?
On this day, many people indulge in eating tteokguk or simply enjoy garaetteok as a snack. Garaetteok Day may also be used as a fun opportunity to make this rice cake at home or gift it to friends and family, as it’s considered a thoughtful and auspicious food to share.
Korean Dishes Made with Garaetteok
Here are some popular dishes that highlight garaetteok:
Tteokguk (떡국) | Korean Rice Cake Soup
떡국 (tteokguk) is a traditional Korean rice cake soup often eaten to celebrate the Lunar New Year (설날, Seollal). The dish is made with thinly sliced garaetteok cooked in a savory broth, usually made from beef, chicken, or anchovy stock. The soup is typically garnished with ingredients like sliced egg, seaweed, and green onions. Eating 떡국 on New Year’s Day is a tradition symbolizing good fortune and the passing of another year. In Korean culture, it’s said that eating a bowl of 떡국 adds one year to a person’s age.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) | Spicy Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most popular street foods. It’s made by stir-frying garaetteok in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, sugar, and soy sauce. Some variations include fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions for added texture and flavor.
Garaetteok-gui (가래떡구이) | Grilled Rice Cakes
Garaetteok-gui is a simple grilled or pan-fried version of garaetteok. The rice cakes are grilled until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then brushed with soy sauce, honey, or sesame oil. It’s a popular snack during colder months, often enjoyed for its comforting warmth.
Happy Garaetteok Day!
November 11 is also Farmers’ Day in South Korea, so celebrating both Garaetteok Day (가래떡 데이) and Farmers’ Day (농업인의 날) on the same day, serves as a meaningful tribute to the country’s farming community. By enjoying garaetteok on this day, people not only indulge in a beloved Korean food but also honor the hard work of farmers who sustain these cherished food traditions. It’s a way to show appreciation for the agriculture sector’s role in supporting Korean cuisine and cultural heritage.
Garaetteok Day is all about savoring a delicious piece of Korean culture. It’s a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of Korean rice farming, share tasty traditions, and maybe even make some garaetteok memories of your own. Here’s to a day filled with chewy bites, appreciation for farmers, and the warmth of a timeless food tradition. Happy Garaetteok Day!
