I was born in 1992, and my family has followed a very special tradition for a long time. My father was born in 1961, and my grandfather passed away before my father even reached adulthood. Because of this, my family gathered at my oldest uncles house to perform Jesa for my grandfather every year for over 45 years.
As a child, I vividly remember the responsibility of carrying heavy ritual bronze dishes filled with fruit and placing them in their exact designated spots as the adults instructed. I even remember running errands to buy the special paper for the Jibang or ancestral spirit tablet. It was a core part of my identity growing up, but like many modern families, we made the collective decision to stop performing the ritual around 2021 following the pandemic.
The Spirits Table: More Than Just a Meal 🍽️
Jesa is a deeply significant Korean ceremony where families honor their ancestors by preparing a special meal. It's not just any dinner; it's a highly structured ritual steeped in tradition. According to a 2024 survey by the Korea Ritual Culture Institute, about 45 percent of Korean households still practice some form of Jesa during key holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Festival). The core belief is that the spirits of the deceased return to partake in the food lovingly prepared by their descendants, embodying the essential Korean value of Hyo, or filial piety.
Strict Rules: Hongdongbaekseo and Beyond 🍎
Setting a table for ancestral spirits follows precise traditional guidelines. One fundamental rule is Hongdongbaekseo(홍동백서), which means placing red fruits to the east and white fruits to the west. Another is Jodongyullee, dictating a specific order for items like jujubes, chestnuts, pears, and persimmons. The complexity of these rules is considerable; a 2025 Gallup Korea poll indicated that 62 percent of Koreans in their 20s and 30s find them too difficult to follow. This intricacy is a major reason many families are opting for simpler rituals or discontinuing them altogether.
Foods to Avoid and Embrace 🐟
Certain foods are notably absent from a Jesa table. Peaches, garlic, and red chili powder are strictly avoided because, in Korean shamanism, they are thought to repel spirits. Including them would be counterproductive to the goal of welcoming ancestors. Even the choice of fish is important. Traditionally, Jogi (Yellow Croaker) is preferred, while fish names ending in 'CHI' (like Galchi, or Hairtail) were historically considered less prestigious and unsuitable for such an important offering.
The Evolving Ritual: Bows and Modern Tastes 🙇♀️✨
The ritual culminates in a deep bow, performed two and a half times towards the table – the half-bow being a specific gesture reserved for the deceased. While the act of bowing remains a strong tradition, the offerings on the table are rapidly modernizing. A 2026 social media trend report highlighted how many families now include modern favorites like pizza, fried chicken, or even a specific coffee brand, moving beyond strictly traditional dried fish. This shift reflects a move from rigid formality to a more personal and heartfelt remembrance of loved ones.
The Social Strain and Modern Solutions 😥
Despite its spiritual importance, Jesa can be a significant source of family stress, often termed 'Myung-Jeol-Stress' (holiday stress). Statistics from the Seoul Family Court in 2024 indicated a 15 percent rise in divorce consultations immediately following major holidays. This is largely due to the immense labor involved in preparing dozens of dishes from scratch. Consequently, the market for pre-made Jesa catering has seen a remarkable 30 percent annual growth, as modern Koreans seek to balance respect for tradition with the need for mental well-being and family harmony.
💡 꿀팁! If you're invited to a Korean home during a Jesa period, bringing a thoughtful, ready-to-serve dessert or a high-quality bottle of traditional liquor (like good soju or makgeolli) can be a great way to support the host family without adding to their workload. They'll appreciate the gesture and the practical help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to participate in Jesa if I am invited to a Korean home?
Most Korean families understand that foreigners may not be familiar with the customs. They typically do not expect guests to perform the deep bows. Simply standing quietly and respectfully at the back of the room during the ritual is considered a very polite and sufficient gesture.
Q. Is Jesa a religious practice?
While Jesa has its roots in Confucianism, many modern Koreans view it more as a cultural family tradition than a strictly religious act. Some Christian families, for instance, may perform a simplified version that omits the traditional bows but still honors their ancestors.
📌 Official Sources
This article was written with reference to the following official materials.
-Gallup Korea: 2025 Perception of Traditional Rituals Report
-Korea Ritual Culture Institute: 2024 Statistics on Household Ceremonies
-Seoul Family Court: 2024 Holiday Divorce Consultation Trends
-Social Media Trend Report 2026: Modernization of Ancestral Rites
-Koreanet: Official Korean Culture Portal
-The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
-Official Image Source: Korea Tourism Organization (Visit Korea) Hub Tour API (
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