Teaching English in Korea
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Korean Birthdays
Which Korean Birthdays are seen as significant and special? What kind of unique celebrations do Koreans have on these days?
Baek-il (100th Day since Birth)
In the olden days, with high infant mortality rate, a baby's 100th day after birth was considered a significant milestone. This day is still celebrated by young mothers and family alike and is called Baek-il (100th day) in Korean. On this day the family has a small celebration for the baby's health and the mother's recovery from delivery. On that day, people make Korean rice cakes called Baek-seol-gi or Susu-pat-deok, and pass them around to neighbours, believing that sharing the cakes with 100 people will lead to the baby's healthy growth. Those who receive the rice cake return the plates with small gifts which indicate blessing. Gifts may include threads, rice, or money. Threads represent a wish for a long healthy life, and rice and money mean a wish for wealth for the baby.
In the olden days, with high infant mortality rate, a baby's 100th day after birth was considered a significant milestone. This day is still celebrated by young mothers and family alike and is called Baek-il (100th day) in Korean. On this day the family has a small celebration for the baby's health and the mother's recovery from delivery. On that day, people make Korean rice cakes called Baek-seol-gi or Susu-pat-deok, and pass them around to neighbours, believing that sharing the cakes with 100 people will lead to the baby's healthy growth. Those who receive the rice cake return the plates with small gifts which indicate blessing. Gifts may include threads, rice, or money. Threads represent a wish for a long healthy life, and rice and money mean a wish for wealth for the baby.
Dol (First Birthday)
The first birthday, or Dol, presents a cause for even bigger celebration than the Baek-il. On this day, a special table is prepared for the baby. As a ceremony of prediction, a table is prepared whereby a few objects are placed on the table and the baby gets to choose one. Thread, noodles, rice, dates, pencil, and even a computer mouse may be among the objects. If the baby chooses the thread it's indicative of a long live, the rice is indicative of health. If he chooses the money it may mean he will be healthy and influential. Watching the baby choose one, the family talk about the baby's future and celebrate.
60th Birthday
The 60th birthday of a person is called Hwan-gab and on this birthday a big celebration is also at the order of the day. A big table is prepared with rice cakes, fruits and snacks piled up high. The higher the piles of food are, the deeper the children's filial love is considered. The children bow to their parents at the table in the order of birth and offer a drink. Younger relatives also bow and offer a drink. Friends and relatives celebrate the birthday by offering drinks and having a good time. In more modern times as life expectancy has increased, this special birthday is often celebrated on the 70th birthday instead of the 60th.
Read more about the Korean age system.
Read more about the Korean Family system.
The first birthday, or Dol, presents a cause for even bigger celebration than the Baek-il. On this day, a special table is prepared for the baby. As a ceremony of prediction, a table is prepared whereby a few objects are placed on the table and the baby gets to choose one. Thread, noodles, rice, dates, pencil, and even a computer mouse may be among the objects. If the baby chooses the thread it's indicative of a long live, the rice is indicative of health. If he chooses the money it may mean he will be healthy and influential. Watching the baby choose one, the family talk about the baby's future and celebrate.
60th Birthday
The 60th birthday of a person is called Hwan-gab and on this birthday a big celebration is also at the order of the day. A big table is prepared with rice cakes, fruits and snacks piled up high. The higher the piles of food are, the deeper the children's filial love is considered. The children bow to their parents at the table in the order of birth and offer a drink. Younger relatives also bow and offer a drink. Friends and relatives celebrate the birthday by offering drinks and having a good time. In more modern times as life expectancy has increased, this special birthday is often celebrated on the 70th birthday instead of the 60th.
Read more about the Korean age system.
Read more about the Korean Family system.
A happy little fella on his 100th day after birth.
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