제주 연등회의 역사와 지속성을 위한 제언

Abstract

Yeondeunghoe is a traditional ceremony and festival that has been held nationwide from the Goryeo Dynasty till today. Nevertheless, little research has been done on local Yeondeunghoe ceremonies. The same has been true of the Jeju Yeondeunghoe. This study analyzes the Jeju Yeondeunghoe, dividing its practice into four periods of the period before Joseon Dynasty, the period of Joseon Dynasty, the modern period, and the contemporary period. Before Joseon Dynasty, it can be found in relation to folk tales, temple relics, and Goryeo Dynasty. In the early Joseon Dynasty, especially in the 8th year of King Taejong(1408), measures were taken to reduce the temples’ economic roles. In the latter period of Joseon Dynasty, the ministers represented by Lee Hyung-sang were known to have oppressed Buddhism and Shamanism. Nevertheless, we can find the continuing practice of the ceremony in the records of “Tamrasi” (The Poetry of Tamra)(1487) during Seongjong’s reign and the Sinjeung Donggukyeojiseungram in 1530. Kim Yun-sik's Sokeumcheongsa gives a detailed description of how he made paper lanterns and hung them in his yard on April 8, 1898, that is during the late Joseon Dynasty. In modern times, April 8th day ceremony has been firmly established, and many records have been reported. The Jeju Buddhist Society was founded in 1924. In that year, the Gwaneumsa Nakseong (Completion) Ceremony was held on early April. In 1935, the photo commemorating the April 8th day ceremony of the Bultapsa Temple shows the construction of a pole as depicted in the previous period and the hanging of lanterns. In modern times, lantern celebrations, lantern procession, and lantern celebrations were held. Folklores on April 8th day ceremony such as baby haircut, Gisin-sae (grass covered with a roof), and lantern play in Seodang were also staged. For the continuation of the Yeondeunghoe, first of all, the Jeju Intangible Cultural Property No.15 must be renamed. Second, the name should be changed to Yeondeunghoe that embodies the spirit of its tradition rather than a Lantern Festival. Third, an in-depth study should be conducted on the relationship between it and Yeongdeunggut, which is widely known as the Jeju folk.