Jeju's Bracken Harvest: A Spring Ritual Rooted in Memory

Jeju Island in April is a vibrant tapestry of colors, with cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and wild irises painting the landscape. The influx of tourists during this season often leads to crowded roads, but a unique spectacle unfolds as locals and visitors alike venture out to gather bracken, a seasonal delicacy.

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The bracken harvest is like a war to capture the bracken stronghold before the enemy.

The author describes the early morning ritual of preparing for the 'bracken rush,' a phenomenon where people, equipped with aprons and baskets, head to the hillsides to harvest the young ferns. The scene is likened to a bustling commute, with roads lined with cars and shops open early to cater to the gatherers. The author humorously notes the competitive spirit, referring to it as a 'war' to claim the best bracken spots before others.

The article delves into the cultural significance of bracken in Jeju, where it is an essential ingredient in ancestral rites. The act of gathering bracken is portrayed not just as a seasonal activity but as a ritualistic practice, a way for Jeju residents to connect with their land and honor the spirits of those lost during the Jeju 4.3 incident. The author reflects on how the bracken, growing from the soil, might offer solace to the victims' souls, while simultaneously acknowledging the lingering sorrow of unresolved losses.

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The bracken gathered in April is a necessary ritual item for Jeju people's ancestral rites.

The piece contrasts the vibrant, almost festive atmosphere of the bracken harvest with the somber reality of the Jeju 4.3 massacre. The author highlights the ongoing efforts to locate and identify the remains of victims, mentioning discoveries in various locations across mainland Korea. The poignant story of a daughter receiving her father's ashes, and her words expressing a sense of peace for him, underscores the deep emotional impact of these discoveries. The article concludes with a reflection on the return of victims' remains to Jeju, a moment marked by a special announcement on the flight, emphasizing the long-awaited closure for the island's history.

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It's been 70 years since my father left Jeju, and today, after 78 years, he returns as remains.