The Practice of Sharing and Caring in Jongga
“Jongga, the Head Family of a Respected Clan”, a special exhibition, presents the ways of one head family throughout Korea’s long history. Jongga is a true treasure of Korea’s cultural heritage, because it has preserved family traditions and customs, from generation to generation, as these traditions are exemplified by the respected family leader, who is the eldest son of the head family. This exhibition focuses on the importance of Jongga in maintaining family traditions. This exhibition consists of a miniature of an ordinary house of Jongga showing or displaying family mottos, ethics, education, responsibilities and traditions. For instance, there is a chamber for male family members used for greeting guests and a kitchen run by female members and an ancestral rites shrine and a home school etc. Welcome to the exhibition!
Passing Down Family Customs and Traditions in Jongga
The conception of Jongga was founded in the middle of Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty government gave the authority for people who had achieved excellence for their country to receive the honor of a memorial service after their death, an honor that continued from generation to generation. In order to maintain the family’s good reputation, family members appoint the eldest son of family as the leader, with authority over family activities and social responsibilities. One of his primary roles in his family is to receive guests and to nurture his successor as eldest son in the family.
Quiet Leader: The Ways of the Eldest Son of the Head Family
Jongson is the representative of one’s family or clan. How does one become a Jongson and what exactly does a Jongson do? A Jongson is born with this duty. It is not something done by his choice, but it is a destiny. Education is very important to become the leader of family or clan. Beginning to learn as a child, a Jongson practices family customs, traditions, and moral values, and pays respect to seniors. He is self-effacing and respectful of others and performs his duties correctly as the family leader throughout his life.
The Ways of the Wife of the Eldest Son of the Head Family
Jongbu, the wife of the eldest son of the head family, is the center of the family household. She runs the entire house. Unlike their husbands, the wives are not born into their leading role in the family, but achieve it by getting married to the eldest son and learning their new family’s customs and values. In addition, the wives are expected to give a birth to a son who will be the next leader of the head family. Here, in the model, you can see the main house, where we find the story of the wife of the eldest son of the head family.
Ancestral Rites: Family Customs and Traditions in Jongga
Ancestral rites and receiving guests are the most important parts of the eldest son’s responsibilities. Being a good host means providing friendly hospitality for visitors in the present, while ancestral rites involve paying respect to family ancestors. Ancestral rites also involve tightening family bonds among the family’s descendants.
The Values of Jongga
“The two primary aspects in Jongga are the honor of senior family members and charity for the poor in the community. These principles have endured to keep Jongga’s tradition alive throughout 500 years of Korean history. And they have become universal values accepted as important everywhere in the world.” (–Lee, Seong won, the 17th in the line of eldest sons of the Nongam Family)
