탑돌이와 연등의 종교민속적 의미

Abstract

Tapdori(circling the pagoda) is a religious ritual which includes circling a pagoda in a manner of worship, however it also has an folk festival characteristic as large numbers of people can carry it out in a garden. Tapdori is a ritual that usually takes place in the evening while holding lanterns, therefore it has close ties with Yeondeung. In addition, as lighting lanterns is being passed down as a tradition as a form of a ritual or amusement, it is more appropriate to view Tapdori and Yeondeung a perspective of religion folklore when examining its transmission pattern. Therefore, I analyzed the symbolization of religion folklore with focus on ‘pagoda, circling, Yeondeung and the moon’. In Buddhism, a pagoda is a piece of architecture which symbolizes the teachings of Buddha, however its verticality represents Singan, and ujumok(cosmic tree). Thus, circling around the pagoda under a full moon is an action of praising the subject of worshipping at the center of the earth and an earthen rhythm embodying the abundance and vitality of the moon. The action of ‘circling’ can be interpreted as giving worship by circling a subject or as praying for abundance and vitality by imitating the shape of the moon. Furthermore, circling can be connected to the action of stepping, and by circling a number of areas or large areas, the actions can be interlinked as Tapdori, stepping on the god of earth, stepping on three temple, stepping on castle, a mixed combination of circling, stepping and pilgrimage. As records in India and Korea show that the early Tapdori took place in the evenings, Tapdori was a ritual that was carried out with Yeondeung and the early lantern folklore are highly related to the full moon. Such culture can be seen as desires of transferring the providence of abundance and regeneration of the full moon onto the surface of the earth. Like this, Tapdori at full moon embraces the cycle of the full moon as a major factor of Tapdori, therefore being the most suitable traditional celebration to the religious sentiment of Koreans. Furthermore, because Tapdori at full moon is original form of traditional Tapdori, it can be said to be the most Korean Buddhist folk ritual. Accordingly, if we focus on the significance of Tapdori as a ‘festival of the moon’, it is most advisable to circle the pagoda on a night where the moon is in the sky. It is also necessary for the Buddhist sector to focus on the subject of transmission, the changes in the moon, as a part of the lunar culture and traditional seasonal customs. By shedding new perspective on the passing of time, based on the changes in the moon, Tapdori may become the most representative celebration connecting tradition and the modern day into one. In addition, it is most advisable to circle the pagoda while holding a lantern. This is because, the key point of Tapdori is printing Buddhism in the heart, and participation through lighting one’s own light has a great significance. From a celebratory perspective, Tapdori is a type of procession in which oneself is the subject, therefore Yeondeung are a key factor to the Buddhist celebration which takes place in the evenings. Accordingly, participating in Tapdori holding a lantern will become a significant factor in strengthening the celebratory aspect of Tapdori.