Talchum mask dance culture
Talchum mask dance is a unique cultural and artistic feature of Korea, an art form of folk entertainment, often performed during festivals such as Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, etc. Buddha's Birthday, ... but hidden behind that laughter are many thoughts and aspirations of the people who want to convey.
The art of mask dance dates back to the Three Kingdoms period, but it was only during the Joseon period that it was widely circulated and developed to its peak. Currently, it is long-standing folklore and is performed in many places across the country. During the Three Kingdoms period, the mask dance was a simple ritual to communicate with the god. It is believed that the mask reflects the image of the gods, while the person wearing the mask carries the power of half-god and half-human to help convey people's thoughts to the gods and vice versa. Mask dance is a form of joyful communication between gods and mortals. By the Joseon period, Talchum mask dance flourished in another form. Not the concept of god anymore, but through it to reflect the anger and injustices of the common people with the nobles and mandarins in the feudal period.
When performing Talchum, the performer stands in the middle and people gather around to watch and cheer. The performer wears a mask, hides his identity and transforms into any character, is allowed to say hidden things, grievances that ordinary people do not dare to say. Since then, the issues mentioned are as diverse as condemning the weakness of the weak, criticizing the evils in society, satirizing the hypocrisy of the aristocracy, criticizing monks who broke precepts, sympathize with the life of the common man...and most of all, the topic of wife and concubine always brings a lot of laughter to everyone.
