Wikipedia

Arirang

This article is about the Korean traditional song. For other uses, seeArirang (disambiguation).

Arirang(아리랑[a.ɾi.ɾaŋ]) is aKoreanfolk song.[1]There are about 3,600 variations of 60 different versions of the song, all of which include a refrain similar to "Arirang, arirang, arariyo" ( "아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요").[2]It is estimated the song is more than 600 years old.[3]

Arirang in North Korea
A man about to depart on a journey through a mountain pass is seen off by a woman in a scene from theArirang FestivalinNorth Korea.
CountryNorth Korea
Reference914
RegionAsia and the Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription2014 (9th session)
Arirang in South Korea
Song So-heeperforming "Arirang"
CountrySouth Korea
Reference445
RegionAsia and the Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription2012 (7th session)
Arirang
Hangul
아리랑
Revised RomanizationArirang
McCune–ReischauerArirang
IPAa.ɾi.ɾaŋ
Gyeonggi Arirang
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"Arirang" is included twice on theUNESCOIntangible Cultural Heritagelist, having been submitted for inclusion first bySouth Koreain 2012[3][2]and then byNorth Koreain 2014.[1][4]In 2015, theSouth KoreanCultural Heritage Administrationadded the song to itslist of important intangible cultural assets.[5]

The song is sung today in both North and South Korea, and represents the symbol of unity in the region that is divided by theKorean War.

History

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Origin and ethnomusicology

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It is believed that "Arirang" originated fromJeongseon,Gangwon Province."Arirang" as a term today is ambiguous in meaning, but some linguists have hypothesized that "Ari" (아리) meant "beautiful" and "rang" (랑) referred to a "beloved one" or "bridegroom" in the ancient native Korean language. With the two words together, the term Arirang meant "My beloved one".[6]This theory, supported by the scholars such asShin Yong-ha[ko],[7]bears the song's legend. According to the legend, the name is derived from the story of a bachelor and a maiden who fell in love while pickingCamelliablossoms near thewharfat Auraji (아우라지) — a body of water which derives its name from the Korean word "eoureojida" (어우러지다) that is closely translated to "be in harmony" or "to meet". For example, the body of water that connects the waters ofPyeongchangandSamcheokto the Han River is called Auraji.[8]Two versions of this story exist:

  • In the first one, the bachelor cannot cross the Auraji to meet the maiden because the water is too high, so they sing a song to express their sorrow.
  • In the second version, the bachelor attempts to cross the Auraji and drowns, singing the sorrowful song after he dies.[9]

According toProfessor Keith Howard,Arirang originated in the mountainous regions ofJeongseon,Gangwon,and the first mention of the song was found in a 1756 manuscript.[10]TheAcademy of Korean Studiesalso shares the same view that Arirang was originally the folk song of Jeongseon. Some locals of Jeongseon trace their folk song further back to the era ofGoryeo.[11]

Some believe that such song from Jeongseon spread toSeouland other regions of Korea when the workers from Gangwon were sent to Seoul to rebuild theGyeongbok Palaceunder the order of thePrince Regent Heungseonof theJoseonperiod.[11]Others especially theorize that the words "Arirang" and "Arari" in the song's lyrics originated from the families of the workers during this period who said "Arirang (아리랑;Ta ly lang) "or" Ananri (아난리;Ta loạn ly) "to the officials taking the workers from their Gangwon homes to the palace construction in Seoul, the phrases which meant they cannot be separated from their lovers or families respectively.[12][13]According toMaecheonyarok(매천야록;Mai tuyền dã lục) recorded by the Joseon scholarHwang Hyeon[ko],it seemed the song was widespread in the country by this time.[11]

The South Korean literary scholarYang Ju-dongtheorized that the term "Arirang" came from the combination of "Ari" (아리), the old Korean indigenous word that also meant "long", and "ryeong" (Korean:령;Hanja:Lãnh;lit.hill).[14]

Some trace the term "Arirang" to the name ofLady Aryeong,the wife of the first king ofSilla,as the song could have evolved from the poem praising her virtues. Others even speculate that the term is linked to theJurchenword "Arin" meaning "hometown", or the name of the Indian god with similar name.[15]

First recording

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The first known recording of "Arirang" was made in 1896 by AmericanethnologistAlice C. Fletcher.At her home inWashington, D.C.,Fletcher recorded three Korean students singing a song she called "Love Song: Ar-ra-rang".[16][17]One source suggests that the students belonged to noble Korean families and were studying abroad atHoward Universityduring the period in which the recording was made.[18]Another source suggests that the singers were Korean workers who happened to be living in America during that time.[19]The recordings are currently housed in the U.S.Library of Congress.[20]

Resistance anthem

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During theJapanese occupation of Koreait became a criminal offense for anyone to sing patriotic songs, including Korea's national anthem, so Arirang became an unofficial resistance anthem againstImperial Japaneserule.[21][22]Korean protesters sang "Arirang" during theMarch 1 Movement,a Korean demonstration against the Japanese Empire in 1919. Many of the variations of "Arirang" that were written during the occupation contain themes of injustice, the plight of labourers, and guerrilla warfare. It was also sung by the mountain guerrillas who were fighting against the fascists.[21]

The most well-known lyrics to "Arirang" first appeared in the 1926silent filmArirang,directed byNa Woon-gyu.Arirangis now considered alost filmbut various accounts say the film was about a Korean student who became mentally ill after being imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese. The film was a hit upon its release and is considered the first Korean nationalist film.[23][21][24]

Popularity in Japan

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During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Japan experienced a craze for Korean culture and for "Arirang", in particular. Over 50 Japanese versions of "Arirang" were released between 1931 and 1943, in genres includingpop,jazz,andmambo.[21]Some Japanese soldiers were familiar with "Arirang" from their service inJapanese Korea,or from their interactions with forcibly conscripted Koreancomfort women,labourers and soldiers.

Musical score

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Lyrics

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All versions of "Arirang" include arefrainsimilar to, "Arirang, arirang, arariyo (아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요). "[2]The word "arirang" itself is nonsensical and does not have a precise meaning inKorean.[25]While the other lyrics vary from version to version, the themes of sorrow, separation, reunion, and love appear in most versions.[4][26]

The table below includes the lyrics of "Standard Arirang" from Seoul. The first two lines are the refrain. The refrain is followed by threeverses.

Original text in Korean

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Hangul Hangul/Hanja Revised Romanization IPAtranscription

아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요…
아리랑 고개로 넘어간다.

아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요…
아리랑 고개로 넘어간다.

Arirang, arirang, arariyo…
Arirang gogaero neomeoganda.

[a̠.ɾi.ɾa̠ŋ a̠.ɾi.ɾa̠ŋ a̠.ɾa̠.ɾi.jo̞]
[a̠.ɾi.ɾa̠ŋ ko̞.ge̞.ɾo̞ nʌ̹m.ʌ̹.ga̠n.da̠]

나를 버리고 가시는 님은
십리도 못가서 발병난다.

나를 버리고 가시는 님은
Mười dặm 도 못가서 발 bệnh 난다.

Nareul beorigo gasineun nimeun
Simnido motgaseo balbyeongnanda.

[na̠.ɾɯɭ pʌ̹.ɾi.go̞ ka̠.ɕi.nɯn nim.ɯn]
[ɕʰim.ni.do̞ mo̞t̚.k͈a̠.sʌ̹ pa̠ɭ.bjʌ̹ŋ.na̠n.da̠]

청천하늘엔 잔별도 많고,
우리네 가슴엔 희망도 많다.

Trời nắng 하늘엔 잔별도 많고,
우리네 가슴엔 hy vọng 도 많다.

Cheongcheonhaneuren janbyeoldo manko,
Urine gaseumen huimangdo manta.

[tɕʰʌ̹ŋ.tɕʌ̹n.ɦa̠.nɯ.ɾe̞n tɕa̠n.bjʌ̹ɭ.do̞ ma̠n.ko̞]
[u.ɾi.ne̞ ka̠.sɯm.e̞n çi.ma̠ŋ.do̞ ma̠n.ta̠]

저기 저 산이 백두산이라지,
동지 섣달에도 꽃만 핀다.

저기 저 sơn 이 đầu bạc sơn 이라지,
Đông chí 섣달에도 꽃 vạn 핀다.

Jeogi jeo sani baekdusaniraji,
Dongji seotdaredo kkonman pinda.

[tɕʌ̹.gi tɕʌ̹ sʰa̠n.i pe̞k̚.t͈u.sa̠n.i.ɾa̠.dʑi]
[to̞ŋ.dʑi sʰʌ̹t̚.t͈a̠.ɾe̞.do̞ k͈o̞n.ma̠n pʰin.da̠]

English translation

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Arirang, arirang, arariyo…
You are going over Arirang hill.
My love, if you abandon me
Your feet will be sore before you go tenri.
Just as there are many stars in the clear sky,
There are also many dreams in our heart.
There, over there, that mountain isBaekdu Mountain,
Where, even in the middle of winter days, flowers bloom.[26][27]

Variations

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Old Arirang
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Miryang Arirang
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Jindo Arirang
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Gangwondo Arirang
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There are an estimated 3,600 variations of 60 different versions of "Arirang".[2]Titles of different versions of "Arirang" are usually prefixed by their place of origin.[15]

While "JeongseonArirang "is generally considered to be the original version of the song," Bonjo Arirang "(literally: Standard Arirang) fromSeoulis one of the most famous versions. This version was first made popular when it was used as the theme song of the influential 1926 filmArirang.[15]

Other famous variations include "Jindo Arirang" fromSouth JeollaProvince, a region known for being the birthplace of Korean folk music genrespansoriandsinawi;and "MiryangArirang "fromSouth GyeongsangProvince.[28][29]

Official status

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"Arirang" performed by theUnited States Army BandStrings with a tenor soloist

China

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In 2011, Arirang was added to the 3rd batch of "List of Representative Items of National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China'.[30]

In 2023, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of theYanbian Korean Autonomous Region,ethnic Korean singer Cui Liling published the first Arirang variation about theHeaven LakeonJangbaeksan.[31]

UNESCO

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BothSouth KoreaandNorth Koreasubmitted "Arirang" to be included on theUNESCOIntangible Cultural Heritagelist. South Korea successfully submitted the song for inclusion in 2012.[3][2]North Korea successfully submitted the song for inclusion in 2014.[1][4]

South Korea

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In 2015, the South KoreanCultural Heritage Administrationadded the "Arirang" to its list of importantintangible cultural assets.[5]

"Arirang" performed by theUnited States Army BandChorus with a tenor soloist

U.S. Army

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"Arirang", Lyrics in English Adaptation-2 by GSIT at HUFS in 2013. Adaptation ofW. B. Yeats' poem, "The Falling of the Leaves", into the "Arirang" melody to convey the woe and sorrow with which Korean people sympathize when listening to the song.

TheU.S. Army's7th Infantry Divisionadopted "Arirang" as its official march song in May 1956, after receiving permission fromSyngman Rhee,the first president of South Korea. The division had been stationed in South Korea from 1950 to 1971, including theKorean Warperiod.[32]

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Music

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  • American composerJohn Barnes Chancebased his 1962–63concert bandcompositionVariations on a Korean Folk Songon a version of "Arirang" that he heard in Korea in the late 1950s.[33]
  • In 2007, South Korean vocal groupSG Wannabereleased the albumThe Sentimental Chordwhich contains a song entitled "Arirang". The group is accompanied by Korean traditional instruments and the actual Arirang melody is played by an electric guitar during the bridge prior to the key change.[34][35]They have since performed the song live with theNational Traditional Orchestra of Korea[ko]and at several Arirang Festivals.
  • North Korean composerChoi Sung-hwancomposed the 1976Arirang Fantasy.TheNew York Philharmonicperformed a slightly modified arrangement of this work for an encore duringits trip to North Koreaon February 26, 2008.[36]
  • In November 2013, the student choir atHankuk University of Foreign Studiesperformed "Arirang" in English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic and Korean.[37]
  • The K-Pop group,A.C.E,performed "Jindo Arirang (Prehistory)" for the Revival of Arirang program on Arirang Culture. Their unique version that stayed true to the original song is also included on their new album,Changer: Dear Eris.
  • Another K-Pop group,KINGDOM,performed "Last flower (화월가 (밀양아리랑)) ", their own reinterpretation of Miryang Arirang, for the Korean traditional New Year music special “When Gugak Meets K-POP” aired on Arirang TV on January 13, 2023.

Films

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Media

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Sports

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Video games

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References

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  2. ^abcde"Arirang, lyrical folk song in the Republic of Korea".Intangible Cultural Heritage.UNESCO. Archived fromthe originalon December 5, 2013.RetrievedDecember 5,2017.
  3. ^abcChung, Ah-young (December 12, 2012)."'Arirang' makes it to UNESCO heritage ".The Korea Times.RetrievedDecember 5,2017.
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  10. ^Howard, Keith (May 15, 2017).Perspectives on Korean Music: Preserving Korean Music: Intangible Cultural Properties as Icons of Identity.Vol. I. Taylor & Francis.ISBN978-1-351-91168-9.
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  16. ^Yoon, Min-sik (September 27, 2017)."Oldest recorded Arirang to be on display in Seoul".The Korea Herald.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  17. ^Kim, Hyeh-won (May 11, 2012)."Arirang under renewed light ahead of UNESCO application".Yonhap News Agency.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  18. ^Provine, Robert C."Alice Fletcher's Notes on the Earliest Recordings of Korean Music"(PDF).Academy of Korean Studies.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on December 8, 2017.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  19. ^Maliangkay, Roald (2007)."Their Masters' Voice: Korean Traditional Music SPs (Standard Play Records) under Japanese Colonial Rule".The World of Music.49(3): 53–74.ISSN0043-8774.JSTOR41699788.
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  21. ^abcdAtkins, E. Taylor (August 2007)."The Dual Career of" Arirang ": The Korean Resistance Anthem That Became a Japanese Pop Hit".The Journal of Asian Studies.66(3): 645–687.doi:10.1017/s0021911807000927.hdl:10843/13185.JSTOR20203201.S2CID162634680.Archived fromthe originalon May 16, 2022.RetrievedJuly 7,2019.
  22. ^Koehler, Robert (2015).Traditional Music: Sounds in Harmony with Nature.Volume 8 of Korea Essentials. Seoul Selection.ISBN978-1624120428.
  23. ^Edwards, Matthew (2014).Film Out of Bounds: Essays and Interviews on Non-Mainstream Cinema Worldwide.McFarland. p. 198.ISBN978-1476607801.
  24. ^Taylor-Jones, Kate (2017).Divine Work, Japanese Colonial Cinema and its Legacy.Bloomsbury USA.ISBN978-1501306136.
  25. ^"Arirang (아리랑)".Sejong Cultural Society.2015.RetrievedDecember 6,2017.
  26. ^abKim Yoon, Keumsil; Williams, Bruce (2015).Two Lenses on the Korean Ethos: Key Cultural Concepts and Their Appearance in Cinema.McFarland. p. 39.ISBN978-0786496822.
  27. ^Damodaran, Ramu (Winter 2017). "UNAI Impacts Scholarship, Research for Greater Good".SangSaeng.49.APCEIU: 23.
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  29. ^"Milyang Arirang".Sejong Cultural Society.2015.RetrievedDecember 6,2017.
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  32. ^"Chronological History 7th Infantry Division".7th Infantry Division Association.May 25, 2012.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  33. ^Miles, Richard B; et al. (2010).Teaching Music Through Performing in Band Volume 1.Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc. pp. 590–598.
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  35. ^"[안&밖] SG워너비 '국악 접목' 뜻은 좋았지만…".JoongAng Ilbo(in Korean). May 21, 2007.
  36. ^Wakin, Daniel J. (February 27, 2008)."North Koreans Welcome Symphonic Diplomacy".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  37. ^Lee, Claire (November 19, 2013)."HUFS to hold concert featuring 'Arirang' in 10 languages".The Korea Herald.RetrievedDecember 8,2017.
  38. ^Bradshaw, Peter (June 7, 2012)."Arirang – review".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.RetrievedDecember 8,2017.
  39. ^"Arirang TV begins DTV service in metropolitan Washington, D.C., area".The Korea Times.Yonhap News Agency. April 28, 2011.RetrievedDecember 8,2017.
  40. ^"Arirang Radio to Go On Air in U.S."The Chosun Ilbo.January 11, 2012.RetrievedDecember 8,2017.
  41. ^DeHart, Jonathan (July 29, 2013)."Pyongyang's Arirang Festival: Eye Candy for the Masses".The Diplomat.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  42. ^Ito, Makoto (September 16, 2000)."Two Koreas make history during opening ceremony".The Japan Times Online.ISSN0447-5763.RetrievedDecember 8,2017.
  43. ^Hersh, Philip (April 30, 2011)."Botched jumps cost Kim world title, Czisny the bronze".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
  44. ^"Do passado ao futuro cerimonia de abertura de pyeongchang projeta futuro de crianças (In Portuguese)".Sport TV.February 9, 2018. Archived fromthe originalon February 27, 2018.RetrievedFebruary 9,2018.
  45. ^AS, Diario (August 27, 2018)."Unified Korea dragon boat team win historic gold at Asian Games".AS.RetrievedAugust 29,2018.
  46. ^"In Tallinn, Mihara reclaims Four Continents title; U.S. pairs finish 1–2".January 25, 2022.
  47. ^Archived atGhostarchiveand theWayback Machine:Celldweller & Atlas Plug (March 10, 2016),Killer Instinct Season 3 – Creating The Music for "Kim Wu",retrievedFebruary 8,2020
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  49. ^"Youtube Link Page".YouTube.RetrievedJanuary 26,2018.
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