FFF(17)- First Birthdays

Every child’s first birthday is rightfully a special birthday.  I know for mine I was spoiled with presents and not given just one cake, but two- one for the guests to eat and one for me to smash my face in and destroy.  Here in Korea, a first birthday takes on an even bigger meaning.

Before medicine advanced in eastern Asia, many children died before their first birthday.  However, once a child surpassed this great feat, their chances of living significantly increased.  So as Dave once said "celebrate we will/ for life is short, but sweet for certain" (although shorter for others).

Sitting as a king, this little guy looks over the pounds of
traditional Korean food, ddok (떡).

Tol (돌) meaning baby's 1st birthday in Korean, is celebrated with a party called toljanchi (돌잔치).  Following traditional Korean food and birthday celebrations, the barely walking little guy/gal must decide on his/her fate through 돌잔치. 

During this portion of the celebration, the child is placed in front of a table filled with a variety of gifts.  But sorry greedy little one, you can only have one.  The first thing the child chooses off the table is suppose to signify his/her life calling.  Traditionally, these items were placed on the table with the following meanings:

-bow and arrow: the child will become a warrior
-needle and thread/string: the child will live a long life
-jujube: the child will have many descendants
-book, pencil, or related items: the child will become a successful scholar
-rice or rice cake (or sometimes money): the child will become rich

-a bowl of rice: the child will have food and shelter
-ruler, needle, scissors: the child will be talented with his/her hands
-knife: the child will be a good cook

This little guy's gonna be tubbly with all
his food and shelter!

However, with a shift in their culture, there has been a change in the items placed on the table.  So although these are the traditional items, more households are removing the bow and arrow, for instance, and replacing it with more modern items, such as a microphone or a golf ball.  I’m sure you’re smart enough to figure out these life callings.

We've got a socca playa!

Big steps for little guys.  One day you might not survive and then the next day you’re deciding your future in its entirety.  Good thing they’re too young to understand stress.