Sunday, February 6, 2011

Baby's First Birthday: "Tol"

In Korea, a baby's first birthday is cause for a large celebration. This is because if the baby made it to this milestone, they are considered to be very lucky. In the past, due to poor medical resources, early childhood diseases, and Korea's fluctuating weather, the death rate for children prior to one year-old was very high.
I was invited to such a celebration, for my friend Ho Young's son.
The parents and baby are dressed in hanbok (traditional clothing) that is so ridiculously cute. The highlight of the Tol is the fortune telling ritual. The baby is placed at a table in front of items such as money, a paintbrush, a stethoscope, a book, a microphone, a sword, and food. Next, the baby must choose his/her destiny. If he chooses money, he will be rich; a paintbrush, an artist; a stethoscope, a doctor; a book, a scholar; a microphone, on TV, a sword, a military agent; food, a government official.
Naturally, HoYoung was whispering to his son to pick up the money. The lil guy however went for the microphone! Watch out HoYoung, looks like he's going to be famous.

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