1 Thing You Didn’t Know About Korea: Joyfully Discovering Samshinhalmeoni

Hooray! My little one just turned one!

To celebrate this milestone and express my deepest gratitude, I prepared a special table for the 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni].

Now, if you’re not Korean, you might be scratching your head wondering what I’m talking about.

But, trust me, all Koreans know about 삼신할머니/삼신할매 [Samsinhalmeoni / Samsinhalmae].

Remember the popular South Korean drama Goblin: The Lonely and Great God(도깨비/Dokkaebi)?

If yes, then you’ve got a sneak peek of Samsinhalmeoni.

For those who might not be familiar, this drama is a highly acclaimed fantasy romance series that aired in 2016-2017. It tells the story of Kim Shin(starring Gong Yoo), an immortal goblin searching for his human bride to end his eternal life, and Ji Eun-Tak(played by Kim Go-eun), a young woman who can see ghosts and is destined to be the goblin’s bride. The show blends elements of Korean folklore with modern storytelling and has been praised for its unique plot, cinematography, and emotional depth. It’s in this drama that we get a modern depiction of 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni], portrayed as a young woman (played by Lee EL) who protects the main character, Ji Eun-Tak. This representation of 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] in ‘Goblin’ beautifully illustrates how ancient deities can adapt to current times, while still embodying their timeless values of care and protection.

Mystical grandmotherly goddess isn’t just about warm hugs and sage advice; she’s pivotal in Korea’s legends and beliefs.

So, grab a cup of soothing tea, and let’s embark on this enchanting journey together.

Who Is 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni]?

First, let me clarify what 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] is.

Samshinhalmeoni is the three goddesses who watch over childbirth, fate, and the well-being of children in Korean folklore, unique to Korea.

삼 [Sam] means 3, and 신 [Shin] means God/Goddess.

Therefore, 삼신 refers to the three goddesses and 할머니[Halmeoni]/할매[Halmae] are both terms for grandmother, with 할매[Halmae] being more dialectical, like ‘granny’.

Although the name 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] directly translates to ‘Three Spirits Grandmother,’ it typically evokes the picture of a single, wise elderly lady, instead of a trio of distinct characters. This interesting contrast between the literal translation and the commonly imagined figure adds a unique twist to Korean folklore.

Do Koreans Still Believe in 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni]?

This goddess isn’t just relics of the past. While belief in her might not be as widespread as before, her image endures in children’s books, traditional art, and even modern merchandise. This popularity underscores the timeless values she represents: protection, nurturing, and the well-being of children.

Even with modernization, respect for 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] and traditional childbirth and child-rearing beliefs remains significant, particularly in rural areas and during key family milestones like childbirth celebrations. She symbolizes the cultural importance of family and the desire for the well-being of children and mothers in Korean society.

How Does She Look Like?

In Korean art and folklore, 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] is often portrayed as an elderly woman, sometimes with a gentle and maternal appearance, typically in traditional Korean clothing. However, she might appear as beggars, lost travelers, or even animals, seeking help or shelter. Mothers who treat them with kindness and generosity are blessed for their children, while those who show neglect face misfortune.

What’s Special About Her?

삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni]‘s role in Korean culture highlights the importance of childbirth and the well-being of infants and mothers. Her blessings are sought to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood. Stories abound of her intervening in children’s lives in miraculous ways, like curing illnesses, protecting from accidents, or guiding lost children home.

She’s like a warm blanket on a cold night, always there to make you feel safe and loved.

Are There Any Rituals and Offerings?

In the past, a dedicated space called the “samshin-gak” was reserved for prayers and offerings to 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni]. The samshin-gak, often a small shrine or altar space, served as a focal point for these devotional practices. Even today, many families honor these traditions, albeit in a slightly different form.

Families now prepare the Samshin Sang, a special arrangement of offerings for the health and well-being of the child.

What is 삼신상[Samshin Sang]?

Unlike the samshin-gak, which is more of a permanent space, the Samshin Sang is a specific set of offerings arranged on a table or altar. Families prepare offerings and performe rituals, hoping to ensure the safety and health of the mother and newborn.

Setting up the Samshin Sang requires special attention to detail. Traditionally, the food is prepared between midnight and dawn, placed on the east side of the room, and the door opened to welcome 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni]. Prayers and bows are offered, followed by a request for healthy growth and well-being.

Traditionally, the Samshin Sang is set up on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after a child’s birth, and it is customary for the mother to eat the offerings following the ritual. However, many people now choose to perform the Samshin Sang on the child’s 100th day and first birthday. Some even continue this practice on every birthday of the child up until they reach 10 years old.

It’s a beautiful blend of respect, belief, and love for the child. My own Samshin Sang includes rice bowls, seaweed soup, and three types of namul(vegetables), in accordance with traditional customs.

P.S. If you’re curious about setting up your own Samshin Sang, I’ve included a simple guide with tips and instructions at the end of this post.

Celebrating this tradition with my son wasn’t just about following age-old customs. It was a deeply moving experience, acknowledging the cultural values that shaped my upbringing and now influence my own journey as a parent.

I reckon the tale of 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] isn’t just about an ancient Korean tradition; it’s a universal story of the enduring power of love, protection, and the unwavering hope for a bright future for every child.

So, let’s keep these stories alive, and the tales of old inspire our modern adventures!

Setting up 삼신상[Samshin Sang]

You need to prepare at least 3 portions of Rice, Miyeokguk(Seaweed soup), Purified water, and 3 types of Namul(each representing Root, Stem, and leafy vegetables)

And remember these key points:

• Make food from midnight to dawn.
• Place the offerings on the east side of the room where the baby stays most.
• Open the door wide to let 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] in.
• Read out loud the written prayer.
• Bow twice.
• Say “우리 아기 발 크게 해주세요 (Please make my baby’s feet big)” while holding the baby’s feet.
• Leave the baby alone for 10 minutes to let 삼신할머니[Samshinhalmeoni] eat and play with the baby.
• Feast on all the offerings on the same day.

삼신상 축문 (Written Prayer)

젖 잘 먹고 젖 흥하게 점지해서

잘 먹고, 잘 놀고, 잘 자고,

긴 명을 서리담고,

짧은 명은 이어대서

수명 장수하게 점지하고,

장마 때 물 붇듯이

초생달에 달 붇듯이

아무 탈 없이 무럭무럭 자라게 해주십시오.

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