Parents' Day

In the wake of "Children's Day" on Saturday, and keeping in step with this month of holidays recognizing people in Korea, today is "Parents' Day." Unlike the States and other countries that separate a day for mothers and one for fathers, the Korean version celebrates the familial atomic unit, so to speak. Of course, reverence for parents and elders is an important part of Confucianism, as it is in many cultural systems. Children are supposed to buy carnations for their parents, or make paper versions of the colorful flower, and write notes to their parents expressing their filial affection. Here is a view of one of Mugeodong's many flower shops preparing for the event: