KMK: Dol Janchi Korean First Birthday Party

Dol Janchi Korean First Birthday PartyIn Korea the first birthday of a child is a very significant event. It’s called “dol janchi” or in Hangeul: 돌잔치. In the not so recent past the mortality rate of infants was very low because of malnutrition and disease. So, as you can imagine, having a child make it to his or her first year was cause for celebration.

For such an occasion the family and friends show up, usually at a banquet hall which has been decked out in decorations, for the event. Celebrators bring the party girl or boy gifts of money discreetly sealed up in an envelope.

Food plays a big part in a child’s dol janchi. Special dishes are served such as miyeok-guk (미역국) a seaweed soup, tteok (떡) rice cake, and fruits (과일). The highlight of the festivities occurs when it’s time for the dol jabi (돌잡이) ritual. During this time a low table is brought out for the baby with several items on it which represent the path the child’s future life will take if she or he grabs it. Typically the following items are used.

A pencil: Which means the child will be a scholarly academic.
Money: Which means the child will be wealthy.
A string: Which means the child will live a long life.
A bowl of rice: Which means the child will have food and shelter.

However, nowadays people have included new and modern items like the following:

A microphone: Which means the child will be a singer
A Mouse: Which means the child will be a computer genius!
A golf ball: You get the idea.

I think its a great custom and one that should be adopted by families everywhere! I’m thinking a remote control for TV star, a rubber chicken for comedian and perhaps a Paris Hilton CD for vapid socialite.