Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A baby's first birthday is a big deal in Korea. The first birthday party is a major life event. Back in the day, many babies sadly died before they turned 1 year old. As a result, the first birthday was celebrated with a big party. That tradition continues to this day. However, many people these days prefer a small gathering to avoid overspending. Now, it is customary to invite only family and close friends. A ceremony called the doljabi is a fun part of a first birthday party. The baby chooses from a number of items on a table. The item is thought to predict the baby's future. These could include things like strings, which stand for long life, or money, which symbolizes wealth. Since doctors and singers are desirable jobs now, some people also put a stethoscope or microphone on the table.