Upon learning about Korea this week, I learned that there are Buddhist "shrines" set up in Korean homes to honor the birthdays of loved ones. It is thought to be a celebration, much like El Dia de Los Muertos. The ideas are similar, that food is left as an offering to the returning of the souls of the departed. In Korea, they cut the top of the food (mainly fruit, it seems), as this seems to be a more efficient way for the departed to obtain the offerings.
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