| Sotdae | |
 Sotdae | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 솟대 |
| Revised Romanization | sotdae |
| McCune–Reischauer | sottae |
A sotdae (Korean pronunciation: [sot.t͈ɛ]) is a tall wooden pole or stone pillar with a carved bird on its top, built for the purpose of folk belief in Korea.[1][2][3] Like jangseung, wooden totem poles with a sculpted human face, it was usually erected near the entrance of a village to ward off evil spirits as well as to represent villagers' wishes for prosperity and well-being.[3][4] Later, it was also built as a celebratory or commemorative symbol. For instance, when a son of a family passed a civil service examination called gwageo, a sotdae was set up in the yard.[4] In that case, it was colored in orange and topped with a blue dragon.[5]
- ^ Randolph E. Schmid (2007-07-07). "Smithsonian to Open Korea Gallery". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ "Totem Pole Park (Sotdae and Jangseung Park)". The official stie of Hampyeong County. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ a b Gary Rector (2002-09-06). "(HEUNGBO'S GOURD)Sotdae - a symbol worth saving". JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ a b "Sotdae 솟대" (in Korean). Empas / EncyKorea. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ "Sotdae 솟대" (in Korean). Doosan Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2008-07-14.