Christmas and the season’s decorations have become popular in South Korea. It is a distinctly Christian holiday, and December 25 is also observed as a National Holiday.
Several years ago, while researching early Westerners living in Korea, in Fifteen Years Among the Top-Knots(1904), I came upon an account of Korea’s first “official” Christmas tree. I thought I’d share the story…
Since the mid-1880s, Anglo-American merchants, diplomats, and missionaries who lived and worked in Korea have celebrated their respective national and religious holidays. These were usually small affairs, as few foreigners lived in Korea — most Anglos were concentrated in the port towns and Seoul. Naturally, some Koreans were curious about these strange Western ceremonies and started asking questions, especially about Christmas.
The Korean royal family was no exception. In December 1893, King Kojong and his wife, Queen Min, became very curious about the holiday and started to inquire about its significance. Queen Min summoned her closest Western friend and personal physician, missionary Lillias Underwood, to explain Christmas. That year, Queen Min sent the Underwood family gifts of expensive cloth and silk screens on Christmas Day.
Encouraged by the queen’s gesture and aware of the royal family’s curiosity, Lillias asked to set up a Christmas tree in the palace — even though it was several days after Christmas.
Accounts share that Lillias put significant effort into trimming the tree. When finished, Lillias noted that she was somewhat disappointed with the results, as “their majesties were too impatient to wait till dark to view it.” With no heavy drapes to block the lights from the windows, the full effect of the Christmas tree was “quite spoiled.” Lillias cited, “The poor little candles flickered in a sickly way in the glaring daylight.” Nevertheless, despite her concerns, Lillias did introduce the holiday tradition to the Korean court.
Ho ho ho