This week, I learned more about the history of doljanchi, a baby’s first birthday celebration. As a Korean American, I also had a doljanchi in the United States. However, I never really reflected on its significance until I spoke with a family member in Korea whose son recently turned one year old!
During a doljanchi, families celebrate a baby’s first birthday with several traditional activities. The baby is often dressed in colorful hanbok, traditional Korean clothing. A special table called the dolsang is also prepared, decorated with traditional foods, rice cakes and fruit. The highlight of the celebration is the doljabi, where different objects (like a thread, money or a pencil) are placed in front of the baby. The object the baby picks is believed to symbolize their future, such as long life, wealth or future career.
