President Moon gifts specially crafted walking sticks to centenarians

By Park Sae-jin Posted : October 2, 2018, 16:10 Updated : October 2, 2018, 16:36

[http://www.noinstick.com]


SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in resurrected the lost tradition of gifting specially crafted "longevity" canes to macrobian people.

In an event to commemorate the National Day of Older Persons on Tuesday, 1,343 centenarians who lived to the age of 100 years were presented with "Cheongryeojang" walking sticks made of goosefoot plants.

Cheongryeojang is a light and sturdy walking stick which has been awarded between Silla Dynasty (57BC-935) and Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) as a royal gift to old people who had lived for more than 80 years. The tradition disappeared shortly before Japan absorbed the Korean peninsula in 1910 as a colony.

"I will do my duty so that old people can enjoy a healthy and decent life," Moon said in a congratulatory message. Moon also sent congratulatory cards to the centenarians for the first time as South Korean president. Health ministry data showed that 18,505 people aged more than 100 years old live in South Korea.

 
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