charye

Charye, written 차례 in Korean, is a traditional Korean Confucian ritual of ancestral rites performed to honor deceased ancestors. It is most commonly observed during major holidays such as Seollal (the Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and can also mark the death anniversaries of ancestors. As a form of jesal practice in Korea, charye follows a prescribed sequence of actions, offerings, and expressions of filial piety.

The ritual is usually held at a family home or a local shrine, at a dedicated altar or ancestral table. It is typically led by the eldest son or the designated head of the household, with other family members participating through bowing, presenting offerings, and assisting with the ceremony. The participating family members perform ritual bows and recite prayers or prepared lines as they proceed through the rite.

A central element of charye is the offering table, arranged with a set of foods and drinks prepared for the ancestors. Common offerings include cooked rice, soup, fish or meat, a selection of seasonal fruits and rice cakes, and traditional beverages such as rice wine or soju. The items are laid out in a specific order according to regional and household tradition, and incense is often burned as part of the ritual.

The rite concludes with respectful bowing and a closing note, after which the offerings may be left as a symbolic presence for the ancestors or, in some families, redistributed or consumed as part of a communal meal. Modern practice varies widely, with some families preserving very formal procedures and others adopting simplified observances, reflecting regional customs and contemporary life.

Charye serves to reaffirm filial piety, family continuity, and cultural heritage within Korean society.