🕊️ Korean Folktale Series 28
“The Moon and the Magpie – The Story of Seollal”
(달과 까치, 까치설날 이야기 · Dalgwa Kkachi Iyagi)
🕰️ 1. The Story
Long ago, when the world was still young and the sky was close to the earth, the Moon and the Magpie were dear friends. The magpie, cheerful and talkative, often brought messages between heaven and humankind, while the moon silently watched over all creatures with gentle light.
One winter, darkness fell over the land for many days. The moon grew pale, and people could not find their way at night. The magpie, seeing this, flew to the heavens and asked the Jade Emperor, “Why has the moon lost her light?”
The emperor replied, “The moon has been saddened by how humans forget gratitude as each year passes. If they wish for light again, they must celebrate a day of renewal—one that honors the old and welcomes the new.”
The magpie carried this message to the people. They prepared offerings of rice cakes, fruits, and song, bowing to heaven and their ancestors in thanks for life’s blessings. When the night came, the moon smiled upon their sincerity, glowing brighter than ever. The magpie chirped joyfully, announcing, “The light has returned! A new year begins!”
From that night on, the day was called Seollal (설날)—the Korean Lunar New Year. The magpie became a symbol of good news and fresh beginnings, and people believed that hearing its chirp at dawn meant good fortune was coming.
Even today, Koreans greet the new year with the saying, “Happy Magpie Day!” as they look up to the clear winter moon, remembering the bird that brought light back to the world.
🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons
- Gratitude renews the light within us and in the world.
- Hope and joy often come through small messengers of kindness.
- Celebrating life’s cycles connects us to both nature and memory.
👀 3. Reflections in Life
- A thankful heart shines brighter than any moon.
- Renewal begins when we look back with gratitude and forward with hope.
- Sharing joy, like the magpie’s song, spreads light to others.
🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World
- China — The Legend of the Jade Rabbit on the Moon
A story linking the moon’s light with selfless giving and renewal. - Japan — Tsukimi, the Moon-Viewing Festival
A celebration of gratitude for the harvest and the moon’s beauty. - Ireland — The Robin and the Winter Solstice
A small bird brings light back to the world after the longest night.
💬 A Warm Saying
“When gratitude fills the heart, even the darkest night glows with light.”
📌 Note
This is creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission. Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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