조선의 양로례와 경로정신

Abstract

The Joseon Dynasty's ‘care for the elderly’(養老; Yangro) encompassed a variety of institutions and practices rooted in a profound sense of duty to honor the elderly (敬老; Gyeongro). The significance of Yangro during the Joseon era can be summarized in two key aspects: ‘feeding and supporting the elderly’(扶養; buyang) and ‘receiving wise counsel(乞言; Geoleon). Firstly, Yangro was an initiative aimed at the well-being of the people(安民), which involved providing economic support and comfort to the elderly. Secondly, it encompassed the principle of respect for elders(敬老; Gyeongro), where a system was established to receive wise counsel from the elderly who were revered for their wisdom and virtue. As part of its Gyeonglo policies, Joseon institutionalized practices where, at the Sungkyunkwan(成均館; Korean Confucian Academy), the ritual of ‘offering a sacrifice to Confucius and caring for the elderly’(謁聖養老; Alseong Yangro) was performed alongside ‘offering a sacrifice to Confucius’(謁聖; Alseong), incorporating ‘a ceremony for respecting the elderly’(養老禮; Yangro-rye). The Yangro-rye at Sungkyunkwan involved high-level spirit of respecting the elderly such as ‘the greatest spiritual elder’(三老五更; Samro-Ogyoung), ‘honoring the elderly and receiving wise counsel’(養老乞言; Yangro Geoleon), and ‘taking a classic text to ask about difficult passages’(橫經問亂; HoenggyoungMunran). These ceremonies embodied the spirit of respect and learning from the elders, with the king and crown prince participating in ‘HoenggyeongMunran’ to seek wise counsel(乞言) from the elders. In the Joseon era, the feasts for the elderly(養老宴; Yangroyeon) provided by the king and local officials to the elderly were expressions of ‘the spirit of Gyeongno’. However, the true essence of this respect was manifested in ‘the Yangrorye’ at Sungkyunkwan. Additionally, an ‘institution that supports and honors learned and virtuous elders’(耆老所; Giroso) served to support and comfort senior officials, where a feast for the elderly at Giroso(耆老宴; Giro-yeon) was more than just a banquet, it included the procedure of seeking wise counsel(乞言). Thus, the Yangro spirit of the Joseon Dynasty emphasized learning and resembling from the virtues of the elderly, reflecting a true respect for them. The system of honoring the elderly of the Joseon era was not just about providing for the elderly but also about recognizing their scholarly and moral virtues, ensuring that the younger generations could learn from and honor them.