Masks are known as “Tal” in Korean, but they are also known by many other names such as “gamyon”, “kwangdae”, “chorani”, and “talbagaji”. A “talchum” is really more than its literal meaning of “mask dance,” but is also a drama in which persons, animals or supernatural beings are portrayed through the media of masks and dance.

Masks and mask dances developed in Korea in prehistoric times. Traditional masks fall into two categories: religious masks and artistic masks. Some religious masks were considered sacred, the focus of worship in shaman shrines and revered periodically with rites in which offerings were made. Other religious masks were used to ward off evil spirits.

Artistic masks were mostly used in dance and drama. However, these also had religious functions to some extent. Of special note are the masks featured in a mask dance-drama developed in the Hahoe region.

Mask dance-dramas are basically forms of folk art which developed naturally among the common people of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). They vary slightly according to region and the performer but they all share fundamental characteristics. They derive essentially from a sense of rebellion felt by the common people toward the reality of their lives.

With regional variations, the mask dance-drama was generally performed on the First Full Moon, Buddha’s Birthday on the Eighth of the Fourth Moon, Dano Festival and Chuseok. It was also performed at festive occasions of the state or at rituals to supplicate for rain. Many of the roles do not have any dialogue of their own but act out their part in pantomime, their extraordinarily stylized masks conveying the dramatic impact of their characters.

The dance enlivens the drama and serves to round off each scene but is also performed without any regard to the progress of the plot. The most remarkable feature of Korean mask dance-drama in its traditional form is the enthusiastic participation of the audience. With the encouragement of the players, toward the end of a performance there is little distinction between them and the audience as they join together in robust dance and bring it to a truly affirmative life-enhancing finale.

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Abraham, known as Ibrahim in Arabic, is very important in Islam, both in his own right as a prophet as well as being the father of Ishmael and Isaac. Ishmael, his firstborn son, is considered the Father of the Arabised Arabs, and Isaac is considered the Father of the Hebrews. Islam teaches that Ishmael was the son Abraham nearly sacrificed on Moriah. To support this view Muslims use various proofs, including the belief that at the time Ishmael was his only son. Abraham is revered by Muslims as one of the Prophets in Islam, and is commonly termed Khalil Ullah, “Friend of God”. Abraham is considered a Hanif, that is, a discoverer of monotheism.

Abraham is mentioned in many passages in 25 Qur’anic suras (chapters). The number of repetitions of his name in the Qur’an is second only to Moses.

Abraham’s footprint is displayed outside the Kaaba, which is on a stone, protected and guarded by Mutawa (Religious Police). The annual Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, follows Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael’s journey to the sacred place of the Kaaba. Islamic tradition narrates that Abraham’s subsequent visits to the Northern Arabian region, after leaving Ishmael and Hagar (in the area that would later become the Islamic holy city of Mecca), were not only to visit Ishmael but also to construct the first house of worship for God (that is, the monotheistic concept and model of God), the Kaaba - as per God’s command.

The Eid al-Adha ceremony is focused on Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his promised son on God’s command. In turn, God spared his son’s life and instead substituted a sheep. This was Abraham’s test of faith. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice a domestic animal - a sheep, goat, cow, buffalo or camel - as a symbol of Abraham’s sacrifice, and divide the meat among the family members, friends, relatives, and most importantly, the poor. (source)

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Today all Hindus around the world are celebrating Deepavali (or Diwali). This colorful festival is also known as the festival of lights. The word “Deepa” means light and “Avali” means a row.

One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

The day of Deepavali begins with special bath with oil, wearing new dress, ritual of worship, special foods and in the night lighting the lamps and firing crackers to celebrate through the sounds of joy. The family and friends meet on this day to wish greetings and celebrate together.

There is an interesting legend associated with this festival. The story goes that Narakasura, a demon, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Khrishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali, the triumph of good over evil!

Happy Deepavali!

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