The day of Sanggang (상강, 霜降) falls on Sunday, Oct. 23, this year. This is the day by the traditional calendar on which the first frost of the season can be seen. Sanggang is the 18th of 24 solar terms that demarcate the year, and it falls between Hallo (한로, 寒露), the Day of Cold Dew (Oct. 8 this year), and Ipdong (입동, 立冬), the Onset of Winter (Nov. 7 this year). Sanggang is usually sometime in the ninth lunar month, and by the Gregorian calendar generally falls around Oct. 23.

This time of year is characterized by nice weather and sharp drops in temperature at night. If the temperature is very low, you can see the first ice sheets beginning to form. This is also the time of year when autumn foliage reaches its peak with dazzling colors of orange, yellow and red, and when chrysanthemums begin to bloom.





Similar to the day of Jungyangjeol (중양절, 重陽節), the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, on Sanggang people traditionally head out for a picnic and indulge themselves with chrysanthemum wine. During Joseon times (1392-1910), a national rite, called the Dukje (둑제, 纛祭), was performed on this day.




By the agricultural calendar, Sanggang was traditionally the deadline for finishing up the fall harvest and beginning preparations for the winter. In ancient China, the period between Sanggang and Ipdong was divided into three five-day periods. The first five-day period was described as a time to hunt for coyotes. The second was a time when grass and tree leaves turned yellow and fell to the ground. Finally, the third was thought to be the time when insects entered their underground homes to hibernate for the winter.

So this Sunday, the day of Sanggang, look for the first signs of frost and be sure to head out for a picnic or a hike. The weather is still pleasant, but soon winter will be here.

By Gregory C. Eaves
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture
gceaves@korea.kr