Teaching Twins About Their Heritage: Creative ways to introduce them to their roots

Raising twins is a unique adventure, one that comes with twice the laughter and love. For our 10-month-old darlings, born from the union of two rich cultures—Japanese and Korean—introducing them to their heritage is a delightful challenge we embrace wholeheartedly.

Living in Korea, we’re surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of Korean culture, which is part of their daily lives. From the soothing lullabies of ‘Arirang’ to the colorful festivities of Chuseok, our twins are growing up with the rhythms and hues of their Korean ancestry. They’re touched by its traditions, from the simplicity of a hanbok to the festivities of Seollal, the Lunar New Year.

However, it’s equally important to weave the threads of their Japanese heritage into their identities. Despite being miles away from Japan, we find creative ways to imbue our home with the essence of its culture. Japanese folktales become bedtime stories, filled with lessons from ‘Momotaro’ or the bravery of ‘Urashima Taro’. Meals are a time of cultural education, too, with the twins’ first tastes including the subtle flavors of miso soup and the comforting warmth of okayu.

We celebrate Japanese holidays with equal fervor, marking each season with its corresponding festival. When Hina Matsuri rolls around, we display ornamental dolls to wish them happiness and health, and during Tango no Sekku, we fly koinobori flags to celebrate their growth and strength.

Our bilingual lullabies are a testament to our dedication to nurturing their dual identity. While they may not understand the words just yet, the melodies are a gentle reminder of their unique lineage.

The journey of teaching our twins about their heritage is more than just passing down traditions—it’s about instilling in them a sense of belonging to both cultures, a bridge between the land of the morning calm and the island nation with the rising sun. It’s a story of a family, intertwined by two distinct cultures, yet united in love and the joy of exploration.

As they grow, we hope to foster an appreciation for both cultures that shaped them. We look forward to the day when they can navigate the streets of Tokyo with the same ease as the alleys of Seoul, their hearts beating to the drum of their rich, shared heritage.