Ongheya
Artist: Unknown (Gyeongsang Oral Tradition)
Region
Gyeongsang-do
Genre
Purpose
Local Folk Song
Work Song
Ongheya is a work song sung while threshing barley in the Gyeongsang region. One person leads with the first part, and others answer with a vigorous 'Ongheya' to time the rhythm of the flailing. These records are archival materials collected to preserve the representative verses and the historical context of its transmission.
Commentary and Notes
Ongheya: An answering chant shouted together when swinging flails. It is an exclamation used to sync the rhythm of labor and boost energy.
Eojeolsigu · Jeojeolsigu: Phrases intended to build excitement, similar to 'Eolssigu Jeolssigu,' expressing joy during the hard work of threshing.
This song is characterized by improvisation as the leading part changes on the fly, and it has been passed down across regions with various lyrics and responses.
Cultural Background
This folk song is a community anthem sung by neighbors threshing barley together. It is also passed down with different responses in various regions, such as 'Hoheya' in Haman, Gyeongnam. It is a precious cultural heritage reflecting the lives of farmers who overcame hard labor with rhythm, and it is widely taught in school music classes today.
Lyrics
옹헤야 어절시구
옹헤야 저절시구
옹헤야 잘도 논다
옹헤야 에헤에헤 옹헤야
앞집 금순 옹헤야
뒷집 복순 옹헤야
서로 만나 옹헤야
정담한다 옹헤야
Ongheya, eojeolsigu
Ongheya, jeojeolsigu
Ongheya, how merrily we go!
Ongheya, ehe-ehe, ongheya
Geumsun from the house in front, ongheya
Boksun from the house behind, ongheya
The two of them meet, ongheya
And share a friendly chat, ongheya
