Etymology and Color
The name is composed of the two words in Korean; kkachi referring to Korean Magpie and durumagi, a type of overcoat. In Korean mythology, magpies are regarded as auspicious messenger delivering good news but also a provider of prosperity and development. The date before Seolnal has been referred to as "Kkachi Seolnal" (kkachi's New Year's Day). The overcoat was named after the bird to reflect the folk belief because children longed for the cheerful holiday's coming.
Kkachi durumagi is also called obangjang durumagi because it is composed of five colors, representing five different directions (obang) -- east (blue), west (white), south (red), north (black), center (yellow). The concept is based on Oriental philosophy.
Seop (섶), the overlapped column of the garment in the center is made of a yellow fabric while gil (길), the large section of the garment in both front and back side is made of a fabric in yellowish green. For boys, blue color is used for the portions called git (깃, a band of fabric that trims the collar), goreum (고름, strings at chest), doltti (돌띠, embroidered belt) respectively and purple is used for mu (무, gusset). On the other hand, kkachi durumagi for girls has red or purple colored git, goreum and doltti and dark blue mu. The sleeves are made of two sheets of fabrics. The outer surface is made of a yellowish green fabric or saekdong (colorful stripes) fabric whereas the inner is rose pink in color.
In old days, kkachi durumagi were worn as seolbim (설빔), new clothing and shoes prepared for Seolnal, while at present, it is used as a dorot, a ceremonial garment for doljanchi, celebration for a baby's first birthday.
Read more about this topic: Kkachi Durumagi
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