Clan Rites, Ceremonies & Perpetual Shrines

The Chief Mourner (Jeju) burns incense to invite heaven's soul (Hon / 魂) and pours ceremonial rice wine through straw into the soil (Mosa / 茅沙) to welcome the earthly bodily spirit (Baek / 魄).

All participating clan descendants assemble in strict generational and gender rank before the altar, performing two profound ceremonial prostrations (배 / 拜) to welcome the forebears.

The Jeju presents the premier cup of sacred cheongju wine. After revolving the cup three times above the incense smoke (Hyang-yeon), it is placed directly before the ancestral tablet.

All attendants prostrate to the floor while the prayer reader (Chuk-gwan) chants the sacred Chukmun text in solemn cadence, declaring the date, lineage name, and eternal filial devotion.

The second ceremonial cup is traditionally presented by the senior matriarch (the Jeju's spouse) or the second most senior male descendant, followed by two deep prostrations.

The final libation cup is offered by an elder relative or visiting clan dignitary, filling the wine vessel precisely to seven-tenths capacity to prevent overflow.

The Jeju adds three small spoons of wine to top off the cup (Cheomjak), places spoons upright into the white rice bowls facing east, and places soup chopsticks across the savory meat skewers.

All celebrants exit or turn away in quiet contemplation for seven to nine breaths (Hapseom) while the spirits partake. The reader then coughs three times (Gyeong-hae) before returning inside (Gyemun).

The altar is respectfully cleared (Cheolssang). The entire gathered lineage sits together to consume the offered wine and consecrated dishes (Eumbok), sharing ancestral grace.