26 May 2011

North Korean Wedding Geese



A couple weeks ago we were given these as a wedding gift from some friends of ours that do business in North Korea. I treasure them. I'm fascinated by North Korea's closed political state, and hang on ever word when I hear little tidbits about the culture and traditions of the people, since so much of what we typically hear (if we hear anything at all) is the culture and tradition of "the Dear Leader." 

They told us that these geese were a traditional wedding gift in that country and that they are meant to always be looking at one other or swimming side by side (as pictured above) . Having one perpendicular to the other is not accepted because the couple should always be looking in love or swimming in cooperation with one another.

Though small, the geese hold a large place in my heart. Out from a place that seems so dark in knowledge and understanding comes a simple truth about what makes a marriage work. And every time I look at them I remember the wisdom of North Korea's people as traditions like these get handed down generation to generation.

21 comments:

  1. these are so adorable! love the symbolism. it's so crazy how little things like the placement of these geese can be offensive or not acceptable to certain cultures, when we would think nothing of it (because we do not know...)

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  2. These are beautiful, Hannah... and I love what they symbolize. "Out from a place that seems so dark in knowledge and understanding comes a simple truth about what makes a marriage work. " <-- Well said. I believe Love is a universal truth, and we can learn so much from our brothers & sisters, both next door and across the seas.

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  3. Beautiful geese! I really love your thought-provoking posts Hannah!

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  4. what a freaking cool gift! honestly, i wish i knew more about n.korea's culture...i just don't. it is a shame that so many people shun learning and informing themselves about the place just based on leadership and different political positions. im glad you were able to share this because it builds up intrigue in me to learn more! <3

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  5. I love, love, love this. I'm a a huge fan of traditions, and I love the idea of people holding on to them even under difficult circumstances. What a beautiful gift and symbolism of marriage (and so much more.) :)

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  6. How thoughtful! I bet that you just adore them!

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  7. these are so cute and definitely would make the perfect gift!

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  8. Amy grace- Me too, I love finding little quirks like that and learning how I can become more like the people I know. It's fun!

    Amy- Love IS a universal truth. It's a wonder so many people are unwilling to do it even with that information! :)

    Meghan- Thanks!

    Megan- Amen to that! You are so so right!

    Leslie- I like that too. I like to steal traditions from other cultures since America is a bit lacking in that area. John and I have talked about creating rights of passage ceremonies for our kids to walk into adulthood...I love that concept!

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  9. I would treasure them too, they are special!

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  10. oh WOW ! ! ! ! they are so damn cool ! ! ! I LOVED THEM ! Superr!

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  11. So neat! Don't you love gifts like this? Those that actual have meaning and will be a part of you life? And no, not a toaster, lol. Really cool, didn't know about the Geese

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  12. wow i could hardly imagine how they bring that symbolic gift to you... truly amazing! i have korean friends here who are currently studying english...... they from south korea of course.


    keep posting hannah... i love your post!

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  13. So beautiful. I love geese (as does little J- he gets sooooo excited when he sees them), and think it is such a sweet gesture. One of the best bosses I ever had was Korean, and she was such an amazing, kind, and wise person. All of us loved as if she was a second parent.

    Sorry I've been absent from commenting the past couple of days. I love visiting to see what all you've been up to, and usually catch up in reader when things are quiet around here. Hope you have a great day!

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  14. Lovely post hannah :o)
    What a nice gesture!!

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  15. Those are lovely. I really like what they symbolize, and it is something most people don't get to see/learn about because it's from a closed off place.

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  16. What a beautiful tradition! I've seen the duck given as a tradition before and you have to face them together when the couple is getting along but when you aren't you face them butt to butt!

    I like the side by side version with the geese :)

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  17. They are a lovely pair.
    I live in Japan and feelings towards N. Korea here are very strong. But after a visit to the border last year I too have become interested in the country.

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  18. wow - what a lovely, thoughtful gift. definitely something to treasure!

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  19. I love this post and the message the geese bring. How special that you'd share something so close and dear to your heart. I love your recipes and am looking forward to future posts~

    http://clayrachael.blogspot.com/

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