SEOUL (UCAN): A research paper, A Proposal for Eco-Spiritual Eco-Weddings, inspired by Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, highlighted the merits of eco-weddings from a Catholic, ecological, and spiritual perspective and received an enthusiastic response from Catholics and environmental activists in South Korea.
Helena Ahn Seong-im, a 47-year-old wedding consultant based in Seoul, presented the paper—her master’s thesis—at the Graduate School of Cultural Spirituality, Catholic University of Korea in June the Catholic Times of Korea reported.
Ahn explains that in an eco-wedding, things are simplified, from the ceremonial hall, wedding dress, robes, gifts, flowers, food, and wedding invitations.
“An eco-wedding is far from profitable, but I want to spread it little by little among Catholics and churches. Participation is important,” she said.
In a traditional Korean wedding setting, the guest count may vary by more than 500 at a time. It involves an exquisitely decorated venue, lots of flowers, traditional silk dresses, and lots of food.
An typical wedding in South Korea costs nearly 46 million won [$280,000], excluding the price of buying or renting a home, according to a 2017 survey of 2,000 married and single people by the Korea Consumer Agency.
However, there have been recent criticisms of extravagant weddings in the press and prospective brides and grooms have had to rethink their weddings.
Covid-19 has also contributed to the adoption of small weddings with fewer guests smaller venues and considerably lower expenses.
In her paper, Ahn proposes that eco-friendly materials and the environment should be used, for example, eschewing air-conditioned venues for open parks and other natural facilities offered by the government. To tackle food, a la carte dishes and simple lunch boxes are proposed.
A major highlight of any wedding is what the bride and groom wear. Choosing dresses that can be worn to the office or at other events could also help in caring for the environment.
Environmental campaigners have welcomed and promoted the concept of eco-weddings, and Catholics in various parts of the country, including Seoul and Incheon, have reportedly embraced the concept.
