It’s finally here! The much-anticipated first season of “XO, Kitty” is now available for streaming on Netflix, causing a frenzy among viewers who are eager to dive into the 10-episode season. As you indulge in this captivating show, you might find yourself pondering various aspects of the plot. Fret not, as we’ve got you covered. We’ve dedicated ourselves to watching the entire first season, leaving no stone unturned, so we can address any inquiries you may have.
“XO, Kitty” chronicles the journey of Kitty Song Convey (played by Anna Cathcart), a spirited 16-year-old who embarks on a thrilling adventure to South Korea. Her destination is none other than the prestigious boarding school known as KISS, where her long-distance boyfriend is enrolled and her late mother was once a student. Kitty’s aspirations for this expedition are twofold: to reconnect with her boyfriend and unravel the enigmatic life of her beloved mother.
This heartfelt series immerses viewers in a tale of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of understanding one’s roots. As Kitty navigates the intricacies of her new environment, she unearths secrets, forms new connections, and embarks on a transformative journey that intertwines her past and present.
Spoilers from XO, Kitty season 1 ahead
In the fifth episode of the inaugural season, an intriguing moment unfolds as Principal Lim makes a surprise appearance in Professor Lee’s class. During her visit, she introduces a fascinating cultural event known as “Chuseok” and provides a brief overview of its significance to Kitty and the entire class. However, if you crave a more comprehensive understanding of this captivating occasion, we have prepared an elaborate explanation below.
Chuseok, a cherished South Korean holiday, holds deep cultural and historical importance. This traditional celebration, also referred to as the “Korean Thanksgiving,” is held in reverence to honor ancestors and express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Typically observed in autumn, Chuseok offers an opportunity for families to reunite, pay respects to their forefathers, and partake in various festive customs.
XO, Kitty season 1 What is Chuseok?
Principal Lim provides a concise explanation of Chuseok to the class, describing it as a Korean celebration of a bountiful harvest and an occasion to express gratitude to ancestors for bringing prosperity. She emphasizes that it is also a time to pay respects to those who have passed away, encapsulating the essence of this significant holiday.
Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, is a paramount festivity in South Korea, often referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving. This cherished holiday spans three days in the autumn season and is marked by grand family gatherings, traditional Korean delicacies, and the sharing of rice wine. It serves as a time for people to come together, celebrate, and express gratitude.
Traditional Korean foods take center stage during Chuseok, featuring delectable treats like songpyeon (rice cookies), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), jeon (Korean pancakes), and bibimbap (a rice dish with various toppings). In addition to the culinary delights, Chuseok encompasses engaging activities such as Hwatu (a card game), Ssireum (wrestling matches), and Jultagi (tightrope walking), adding an element of festive entertainment. It is also customary to exchange gifts during this holiday.
The timing of Chuseok varies each year, but it generally falls in September or October. As a public holiday, schools and most businesses remain closed, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere. Apart from expressing gratitude at home, Koreans often visit and tidy the gravesites of their ancestors, fostering a connection to their heritage and paying homage to their predecessors.
Can you provide a more detailed description of Chuseok?
Certainly! Chuseok, widely known as the Korean Thanksgiving, is a cherished and significant holiday in South Korea. Spanning three days during the autumn season, Chuseok is a time for family, tradition, and celebration. With deep cultural roots, this holiday holds great importance in Korean society.
Chuseok is primarily centered around expressing gratitude for the harvest and honoring ancestors. Families gather to pay respects to their forebears, visiting ancestral gravesites and engaging in ancestral rites. These rituals symbolize a connection to one’s heritage and the acknowledgement of the contributions made by previous generations.
Traditional Korean foods play a central role in Chuseok festivities. Families meticulously prepare a lavish feast, featuring an assortment of delicacies. Songpyeon, small rice cakes filled with various ingredients like sesame seeds or sweet bean paste, are a staple of the Chuseok table. Other delectable dishes include japchae, a flavorful stir-fried glass noodle dish, jeon, a savory Korean pancake, and bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with colorful toppings. These culinary delights are lovingly shared and savored among family members.
In addition to the culinary delights, Chuseok brings forth a variety of traditional activities and games. Families engage in cultural games such as Yutnori, where wooden sticks are tossed to determine the number of moves in a board game, and Ssireum, a traditional form of wrestling. Folk performances, traditional dances, and tightrope walking, known as Jultagi, further enrich the festive atmosphere.
Chuseok’s timing varies each year, typically falling in September or October. It is designated as a public holiday in South Korea, with schools and most businesses closed to allow people to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations.
What kind of traditional foods are associated with Chuseok?
Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving, is renowned for its delightful array of traditional foods. During this holiday, families gather to share a lavish feast consisting of various dishes that hold cultural significance. Here are some of the traditional foods associated with Chuseok:
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Songpyeon: These small, colorful rice cakes are a Chuseok staple. Made from glutinous rice flour, they are typically filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, sweet bean paste, or chestnuts. Songpyeon is steamed over pine needles, which imparts a unique aroma and flavor.
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Japchae: Japchae is a popular Korean dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables (like carrots, mushrooms, and spinach), and sometimes meat (such as beef or pork). The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, resulting in a flavorful and visually appealing dish.
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Jeon: Jeon refers to a variety of savory Korean pancakes. Common types include kimchi jeon (pancake made with fermented kimchi), haemul jeon (seafood pancake), and pajeon (green onion pancake). These pancakes are made by combining a batter of flour, eggs, and water with various ingredients and pan-frying them until golden and crispy.
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Galbijjim: Galbijjim is a braised beef short rib dish that is often served during Chuseok. The meat is marinated in a flavorful sauce, typically made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. Slowly braised until tender, galbijjim is succulent and packed with savory flavors.
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Hangwa: Hangwa refers to a variety of traditional Korean sweets and confections. These bite-sized treats come in different shapes, colors, and flavors. Examples include yakgwa (deep-fried pastry made with honey and sesame oil), dasik (sweet rice cakes), and yeot (chewy taffy-like candies).
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of traditional foods associated with Chuseok. The holiday’s culinary traditions reflect the abundance of the harvest season and serve as a symbol of gratitude and togetherness for families to enjoy during this special time.
When does Chuseok occur?
The Korean Thanksgiving, occurs at different times each year as it follows the lunar calendar. Generally, it falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The precise date may vary annually.
Chuseok typically lasts for three days, including the day before, the day of, and the day after the main Chuseok day. The holiday is observed as a national public holiday in South Korea, during which schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed. This allows people to fully engage in the festivities and spend time with their families.
It’s worth noting that the exact dates of Chuseok are determined by the lunar calendar, so it’s advisable to refer to the specific year’s lunar calendar or check with the official holiday schedule in South Korea to obtain the accurate dates for Chuseok celebrations in any given year.
Conclusion
Chuseok plays a significant role in Season 1 of “XO, Kitty” and serves as a cultural touchstone within the storyline. Chuseok, known as the Korean Thanksgiving, is a holiday that celebrates the good harvest and offers gratitude to ancestors while fostering familial connections.
Principal Lim’s explanation of Chuseok highlights its importance as a time to express appreciation for the bountiful harvest and pay respects to those who have passed away. This traditional holiday is deeply ingrained in Korean culture and is celebrated with reverence and joy.
Chuseok is marked by various customs and traditions, including the preparation and sharing of traditional foods like songpyeon, japchae, jeon, and bibimbap. It also encompasses engaging activities such as playing traditional games like Hwatu, Ssireum, and Jultagi, as well as exchanging gifts.
The timing of Chuseok varies each year but generally falls in September or October. It is designated as a public holiday, allowing people to gather with their families, visit ancestral gravesites, and partake in cultural festivities.
In “XO, Kitty” Season 1, Chuseok serves as a backdrop for the characters’ cultural exploration and personal growth. It adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the importance of tradition, family, and gratitude in the lives of the characters and the Korean culture as a whole.
