Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Speech - Essay Example rnaments such as a silver ax, silver knife, silver pepper, silver flowers, and silver rings and silver knife is of paramount importance to the people of Korea. There are a variety of ornamental knives, such as ornamental silver knife, which illustrate the distinct culture of the nation. It was the practice for men to wear an enclosed ornamental knife hanging from their belt and it was of special meaning to the women belonging to this cultural background. There are also ceremonies in which foreign heads of party and state who visit Korea are presented with a sheathed ornamental silver knife as a sign of welcome, respect, friendship, and unity to the people of other cultures. The ornamental silver knife, which was an accessory for women, was also a symbol of their virginity and purity. In his book Seeds of the Willow Chong K. Lewe mentions this cultural ornament, when he talks about his mother. â€Å"My mother also always had on her an Embroidered Silk Pouch with strings, which was he r Purse, and a Pocket Knife about six inches long with about a quarter inch diameter cylindrical (oval) handle. The Case and the Handle were made of Silver with Silk strings tied around the Case. It also had Ornamental Carvings on the Handle and the Case. The Knife had a Blade about three inches long. I still have the Knife in my Desk Drawer. It was an old Korean Custom that elderly ladies always wear these Accessories with their Traditional Korean Dresses.† (Lewe, 261) Therefore, the ornamental silver knife illustrates one of the most striking aspects of Korean Culture which has been celebrated for the continuation of similar practices and customs. The encased ornamental knife in the culture of Korea is known as the Unjangdo which refers to a variety of ornamental knives made in Korea since the Choson dynasty and the prefix â€Å"un† refers to silver, which is used in the manufacture of this knife. â€Å"The name â€Å"Jangdo† appeared during the early Choson (1392 -1905) period.   During