Everyone equally participates in the offerings made to the Earth's spirit, however, women participate in this ritual more than men (Life in Korea ). This would be an example of gender roles or biases. Women are expected to participate in this ritual, but not men. Perhaps since this is a “spiritual' ritual, men feel that women are more in touch with their spiritual side, implying that it is only a women's role. Most men usually have a more aggressive side and are not supposed to show a more emotional or spiritual side. However, some men do participate in this offering of the Earth's spirit, but they are viewed as less of a man since it is traditionally dominated by women. Gender roles and biases are found all around the world in many different areas of life.
Even in the economy, women are not looked upon on the same level as men. For example, women in Korea are not receiving the same financial income as men. Men and women are performing the exact same job, but just because an employee is female, she will not acquire the same pay. This form of gender bias is absurd, and this type of prejudice needs to be stopped because it is not fair to Korean women.
When celebrating the Earth's spirit, people gather together to sing, dance, and feast. Koreans sing songs about the new year and the aspiration for a wonderful approaching year. The ritual gives fortune and well being to a family that reached the Earth's spirit directly. The ritual is a measure of peace and security based on a shared acceptance of organized force within the group. (Turner 1982: 206). Solnal promotes peace and security among the family members and the spirits. No violence occurs during Solnal since it is a time to come together and embrace the Korean customs.
During the offerings to the Earth's spirit, Koreans first have to show consideration to their family members by visiting their ancestral tombs to give respect and admiration for life contributions. This ceremony of the Earth's spirit is considered to be important, and if people do not follow in this ceremony, they shall receive bad luck and misfortune. Ancestor worship plays an important role in Korean folk belief, which regards death as a rite of passage to a new state of being rather than the actual thought of forever termination.
One of the oldest traditions is to visit the oldest member of the family during New Year's Eve and bow in respect to him or her for a longer life. On New Year's Day, the family comes together and pays respect to their ancestors and those who have passed away. This is done by offering the ancestors wine, fruit, meat, soup, and other dishes. The oldest family member bows in respect and offers their ancestors a drink of wine or liquor. The ancestors' names are often pinned on a traditional board at the beginning of the ceremony, and when the ceremony is finished, the names of the ancestors are burned to ash with fire. This is one of the oldest traditions in Korean culture, and it is called Jaesa, which means respect your ancestors. This tradition is usually done in the early morning. Then, during the day, the family comes together and they talk about times from the past and reminisce about prior family events.
Bowing to the living elders during Solnal is another important tradition. The younger members bow to their elders offering them best wishes in the new year, and older family members bow in return offering gifts of money and advice. Even if Koreans have older brothers or sisters, they must bow to them since they are older.
Respect for parents and for elders in general is a central value for Koreans. There are detailed and elaborate rules for Koreans when speaking or socializing with an older person. However, these rules were harsher in the past compared to today's standards. Koreans are to be very considerate and pleasant, even when not in the presence of elders.
Korea has some diversity when it comes to religious views. Koreans have traditionally united elements from different belief systems, such as Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Today, most people in Korea have beliefs with Mahayana, Buddhism, or Christianity. During Solnal, Christian Koreans attend church, while Buddhists make offerings to their ancestors at their temples.
Through Solnal, Koreans are seeking to revitalize an important part of the Korean cultural tradition. With economic, social, and political hardships and obstacles, Solnal encourages Koreans to carry out familiar values and beliefs. It is perceived to be imperative that the rituals of Solnal be influenced and carried on into the next generation.