조선후기 면주전의 장례 부조 대상과 방식

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the function of mutual aid in Sijeon organization by analyzing the funeral aid method of Myeonjujeon(綿紬廛). The organizational solidarity among the Sijeon(市廛) members has been well explained in previous studies, but the actual ways of its mutual aid have yet to be discussed. By analyzing the books related to the expenditure of the funeral aids among ‘Myeonjujeon Documents (in Kawai collection of Kyoto University)’, this study points out that Myeonjujeon conducted funeral assistance activities formally and systematically to maintain the solidarity of internal members and smooth relationship with external parties. The conclusion drawn from the analysis is as follows. First, the qualification conditions of internal members to receive condolence money were managed since the time they initially joined the organization. The document stating which family or relative's death in the future was eligible for condolence money was submitted at the time of enrollment. The beneficiaries were subsequently managed by the register named Jaean(齋案), and the “removing names from the register” meant the highest punishment in this organization. Various sub-organizations under Myeonjujeon paid condolence money in the amount prescribed for each case, and all contents were recorded in the ledger called Jaeanchaek(齋案冊). Many condolence titles greatly ceased due to operational difficulties of Myeonjujeon around February 1900, but the total amount of payments itself was filled through the conversion or creation of titles. Second, Myeonjujeon also provided funeral aids to external parties according to certain regulations. Condolences were also paid when the wife of a deceased colleague died. This was managed by a ledger called Byeolbuuichaek(別賻儀冊). In this special condolence money, not only the loyalty or friendship for the colleagues but also the purpose of minimal compensation for not receiving enough lodge money in life would be reflected. On the other hand, Myeonjujeon also sent condolences to complete outside parties. In particular, the money was given to the low-level officials of the government office that they encountered during the work process of the Sijeon. The payment of this condolence money was also officially conducted, and its target and amount were also specified in the rulebook. This case study on the funeral aid method of Myeonjujeon provides a glimpse into the mutual aid method of Seoul merchants, which is distinct from the Confucian mutual aid culture pursued by local village communities or Yangban communities during the later Joseon period.