Hottest Days of Summer

Hello again.

It makes us a little sad to move on to the next chapter because Keeping Still was a very meaningful one for us, being our first chapter and winter being our favourite season. But we're equally excited to unveil the next story and continue our journey together.

In Korean culture, the term "Sambok" (삼복) or "Boknal" (복날) marks the three hottest days of summer. In the past, it was especially significant as these days were designated as farming holidays, where farmers would take time to rest and rejuvenate. 

Some would escape to valleys and forests for their shade, while others would escape to the nearest coast to enjoy the coolness of the sea.

It was common to dip one's feet into water to cool off during these hottest days, or to eat certain food well-known to rejuvenate the body - such as Samgyetang (삼계탕), also known as Ginseng Chicken Soup.

Yes, eating boiling hot Ginseng Chicken Soup during the hottest days of Summer is still popular even today. It's believed that the nutrients from ginseng soup helps to replenish the energy you've lost fighting the hot weather.

Hottest Days Of Summer is inspired by this concept of finding rejuvenation and rest. Respite during these hottest days can come in so many ways. Dipping one's feet in cool water, hiding under the shade of nature, consuming refreshing and rejuvenating food, or even just taking time to feel a passing breeze. 

In this chapter, you'll find lots of light, breezy pieces in textures such as linen, rayon and chiffon; some in shades resembling the sea, green foliage and hydrangea that comes into full bloom in Summer. And of course, earthy tones resembling soil, paying homage to the hard work of farmers.

Read on to learn more.

The hottest days of Summer do not actually occur in three consecutive days. They are divided into: the first day 초복 (Chobok), the second day 중복 (Jungbok), and the last day 말복 (Malbok). The first day often begins somewhere mid July, and the last day is usually in mid August.

This year, Malbok falls on 10th August. 

During this time was also when farmers would perform a rite called the Bokje (복제), done to encourage the rice crop to grow. In fact, how the weather was on these hottest days of Summer would serve as an indicator of how bountiful the upcoming harvest would be. 

We hope you'll find rest, rejuvenation and respite during the hottest days of Summer, and that your upcoming harvest for the rest of the year will be plentiful.  

Share with us how you find rest and rejuvenate during Summer by leaving us a note below.