Why Korean Women Cover Mouth When Laughing?

Summary

In this video, Kaa addresses the cultural significance of women covering their mouths when laughing, a common practice in Korea. She responds to audience comments and explains that this behavior may be tied to traditional Korean values, including Confucianism, where modesty and restraint are highly valued for women. Kaa discusses how the act of covering one's mouth while laughing is seen as a sign of dignity, protecting family honor, and maintaining grace. She also highlights the historical context of women's roles in society, noting the shift in behavior after marriage and motherhood. The video offers insight into Korean customs and societal expectations, providing a personal and thoughtful perspective from Kaa.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kaa addresses a common question about why she covers her mouth when laughing in her videos.
• 😀 Some viewers noticed Kaa's habit of covering her mouth while laughing and asked if it's a cultural norm in Korea.
• 😀 One viewer specifically asks if it's a cultural conditioning for Korean women, and how it differs from American customs.
• 😀 Kaa's laughter and smile are praised as adorable, and viewers express their enjoyment of seeing her express herself freely.
• 😀 A detailed comment discusses Confucianism as a cultural influence on Korean society, especially regarding women’s behavior.
• 😀 Confucianism is described as promoting education and a controlled, modest public persona, particularly for women.
• 😀 The comment explains that covering the mouth while laughing is seen as a sign of virtue and modesty in Korean culture.
• 😀 It is believed that women should protect men and the family, with laughter seen as something that should not be overly expressive.
• 😀 The cultural norm is said to be different for women who are married and have children, as they are seen as more ‘brave’ and less constrained.
• 😀 The comment also touches on the historical fear of powerful women in Korean society, referencing the downfall of dynasties due to women’s influence.

Q & A

Why does Kaa cover her mouth when she laughs in the video?

Kaa covers her mouth when she laughs as part of a cultural tradition in Korea, where it is considered modest and virtuous for women to do so.

Is the custom of covering the mouth while laughing common in other cultures?

While this practice is common in Korea, it is not as prevalent in other cultures like the USA, where people typically only cover their mouths when laughing at something shocking or embarrassing.

How do people in Korea view a woman covering her mouth while laughing?

In Korea, it is seen as a sign of grace and dignity. It reflects a woman's modesty, and is a gesture of virtue that protects her image and the family’s reputation.

Does covering the mouth while laughing have any connection to Confucianism?

Yes, the practice is tied to Confucianism, which emphasizes education, respect, and modesty, particularly for women. Confucian teachings have shaped cultural expectations about women's behavior, including laughing with their mouths covered.

What does Confucianism teach about women's behavior, especially when laughing?

Confucianism teaches that women should exhibit restraint and modesty. Laughing without covering the mouth is viewed as crude, and women are expected to maintain a dignified appearance to avoid disrupting social harmony.

What does the proverb about women's lips say, and how is it linked to the custom of covering the mouth while laughing?

The proverb suggests that women's lips are seductive and that laughter should be controlled. Covering the mouth when laughing is seen as a way to preserve a woman's charm and avoid causing distraction.

How does the practice of covering the mouth change once a woman is married and has children?

Once a woman is married and becomes a mother, the expectation of modesty lessens. It is believed that a woman's primary role now shifts to raising children, and she does not need to maintain the same level of restraint.

What role do women play in Korean society according to the transcript?

Women are traditionally seen as protectors of family and dignity. The practice of covering the mouth while laughing is viewed as a way for women to maintain harmony in society and prevent disrupting social order.

Why does the speaker mention that Korean society is afraid of women?

The speaker explains that Korean society historically views powerful women as disruptive to social stability, and thus demands that women be quiet and modest to avoid threatening the social structure.

What message does Kaa convey through her behavior in the video?

Kaa's behavior, including covering her mouth while laughing, is intended to embody the values of modesty, dignity, and respect, while also conveying that she respects cultural traditions, as well as her role as a woman.