The Deep River Library will offer a special Korean Lotus Lantern Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 7:15 p.m..

Representatives from the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) will be on hand for the workshop to help with the construction of the lotus flower lanterns, using colorful paper and wire frames. After the class, short documentaries about Korea will be shown and traditional Korean refreshments will be served.

According to KSCPP Program Director Younhee Shin, KSCPP was formed to promote Korean history and culture to the wider world.

“KSCPP, is designed to introduce Korea’s long and rich artistic history, the spirit of its people, and its cultural values. In appreciation for the United States’ support for Korea during the Korean War and in the years that followed, KSCPP has held 1,800 complimentary presentations throughout the country so far,” said Younhee.

KSCPP was founded by Kim Jae Woong in 2005. It is a not-for-profit, non-government organization.

Woong writes on the organization’s website, “The purpose of our project is not nationalistic, or to produce propaganda. Rather, we hope to repay the debt of gratitude our country owes to those from other countries. In particular, we are indebted for the noble sacrifices and support given by many nations and individuals during the tragic Korean War of 1950, and in the reconstruction of Korea in the years that followed. By sharing the noble spirit and example of figures from our history and the cultural legacies of the country, both of which have languished in obscurity for many years, we hope to continue to make a positive contribution to the world.”

KSCPP works with numerous organizations throughout the world including libraries, colleges, schools, and other private organizations.

Korea was primarily a Buddhist country until the 19th century and its culture still celebrates Buddha’s birthday today. It is a national holiday. The Lotus Lantern Festival, also known as Yeondeunghoe or the Feast of Lanterns, is one of the most celebrated Buddhist ceremonies held in Korea. The tradition of celebrating the Buddha’s birthday in conjunction with the lantern festival dates to the Goryeo dynasty. The lotus flower symbolizes Buddha’s compassion and pure mind. It also symbolizes creation, birth, and reproduction and therefore it’s one of the most important symbols in Korean culture.

This is the first time the Deep River Library has offered this special Lotus Lantern Workshop and Library Director Susan Rooney is very excited about the opportunity.

“It sounded like such a fun workshop when I first heard about it, I thought it would be great to offer at the library,” said Rooney. “It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Korean culture and tradition while at the same making a beautiful lantern to take home.”

Registration for the workshop is requested. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee for the program is $5 per person. For more information on the program, visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com; for information on the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project, visit www.kscpp.net.