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Korean Myths · 03

Geumjul: the Straw Rope Koreans Hung When a Baby Was Born

Geumjul is the sacred Korean straw rope twisted to the left: hung on the gate for 21 days after a birth, with chili peppers for a boy and pine for a girl.

The straw rope Koreans hung when a baby was born.
The straw rope Koreans hung when a baby was born.
Geumjul
GeumjulA rope of rice straw twisted to the left, the opposite of everyday rope. It meant: sacred, please keep out.
Boy or girl?
Boy or girl?For a boy: red chili peppers and charcoal. For a girl: charcoal and pine branches.
21 days
21 daysIt hung on the gate for 21 days. Neighbors knew: a new baby is here. Don't visit yet.
Not just babies
Not just babiesKoreans also tied geumjul around village trees, sauce jars and shrines to keep bad things out.
A quiet sign
A quiet signOne simple rope told the whole village: wait, care, protect.

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