Doljanchi
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| Doljanchi | |
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| Korean name | |
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| Hangul | 돌 or 돌잔치 or 돐 or 돐잔치 |
| Revised Romanization | dol or doljanchi |
| McCune–Reischauer | tol or toljanchi |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Korean cuisine 한국 요리 조선 료리 |
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Dol or doljanchi is a Korean tradition that celebrates the first birthday of a baby. This ceremony blesses the child with a prosperous future and has taken on great significance in Korea. The birthday babies wear a hanbok and a traditional hat: a jobawi or gulle for baby girls and a bokgeon or hogeon (호건) for baby boys. It is similar to the Chinese ritual of Zhuazhou.
History
In the past, the death rates for children were high and many children died before their first birthday, so it was an important milestone for the baby and parents. The whole village used to celebrate a baby's first birthday, sharing food and wishing for long life and fortune for the baby. It could also define who they would be when they grow older.
Doljabi (돌잡이): fortune telling custom
The highlight of the dol (돌) is a custom called the doljabi (돌잡이) where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, paint or calligraphy brushes, ink, and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed the one selected will foretell the child's future. For example, if the child picks up a paint/calligraphy brush or book, they are destined to be smart. If they pick up money, they will be wealthy; If they pick up food, they will not be hungry. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed they will live a long life. These items were used by most households in the past. The types of objects placed on the table for the baby to choose has evolved over time as a reflection of society's evolving perception of successful occupations. However, there are many parents who remain more traditional in their selection of objects to place on the table. A sea of items could be used to create a modern doljabi set whereas specific items are necessary to create a traditional doljabi set. Doljabi is followed by feasting, singing, and playing with the toddler. Most often, guests will present gifts of money, clothes, or gold rings to the parents for the child at this time.
'Dol' food
At home family members give thanks to Samshin (three gods who are believed to take care of the baby's life while growing up) by serving plain rice, seaweed soup, and rice cakes. For the party, parents prepare a special 'Dol' table, where food is stacked high to symbolize a life of prosperity for the baby. The table is set mainly with a rice cake of pretty rainbow layers, seaweed soup, and fruits. Miyeok guk (seaweed soup) is served on every birthday after the first birthday to remind people of what their mother went through to bring them into the world.
Modern Doljanchi
The celebration is usually held in buffet restaurants or wedding halls. Parents prepare some prizes for guests and upon entering the party, everyone gets a piece of paper on which a number is written. During the party guests who correctly answer a question about the baby win a prize. The host of the party, or an entertainer, also calls out a number randomly, and the person who has that number receives a prize.
Alternatively, guests bet on which item the baby will choose at the Doljabi (fortune-telling game) to win a prize.
See also
- Korean birthday celebrations
- Armenian first birthday ritual of Agra Hadig to pick fortuitous objects
- Chinese first birthday ritual of Zhuazhou to pick fortuitous objects
