So weird to have a birthday celebration without the person here to celebrate. SO we are acknowledging that its her birthday but we are going to hold off on celebrating until she has been home for a week or so and then we will get our party on! Originally we were going to have cake and party without her but now that she is coming home so soon after her birthday we will wait. Shes one years old and really we only have 3 days to wait until we can spoil her so I can wait that long! In Korea the childs 1st birthday is a very big deal so I thought I would share why. We will be have the traditional Tol birthday party for her after she is home!! I am so excited to embrace her culture and to celebrate in ways she would have.
In the past, due to a lack of medical information, Korea's seasonal temperature differences, and many childhood related diseases, the death rate for children was extremely high. Many children died before their first birthday. After the age of one year, the survival rate steeply increased, making this milestone a very happy one for the child's parents. It has also been a custom to celebrate a child's 100 day birthday (baek-il) , but in most areas this birthday is less important than the Tol and any celebrations are smaller in scale.Tol has two meanings in Korean. The most common meaning is a child's first birthday. It can also be used as a generic description for birthdays: Chut-tol (first birthday), Du-tol (second birthday), Seo-tol (third birthday), etc.
Traditional Tol CelebrationThe traditional celebration had four major components:
1) Praying and giving thanks
2) Making and wearing the birthday clothes
3) Preparing the table and performing the Toljabee
4) Sharing the food with guests and neighbors
So they make these beautiful dresses called Han Boks and we are hoping she comes home with one but if she doesnt we will be buying her one, so she will have that to wear. Then setting the table for Toljabee... there are certain foods that go on the table.. fruit, rice cakes, that kind of stuff THEN you put needle and thread, a book and pencil, rice, ruler and a knife. All of these things have meanings:
needle and thread: the child will live long
book, pencil, or related items: the child will become a successful scholar
rice or rice cake: the child will become rich (some resources say choosing a rice cake means the child is not smart)
ruler, needle, scissors: the child will be talented with his/her hands
knife: the child will be a good cook
What happens is the parents put what they want her to pick at the end of the table then the father takes the baby around and lets her choose things that appeal to her, the first 2 things are the most important, they are what shows what her future holds!
SO FUN!! Then we party likes its 1999!!
We will partake of this good time in a week or so from now as soon as she is feeling comfortable and not stressed. Anyways I just cant wait to get her home. Im up at 5 again just anticipating my baby girl in my arms finally! I hope she is having a wonderful birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALIA!!
In the past, due to a lack of medical information, Korea's seasonal temperature differences, and many childhood related diseases, the death rate for children was extremely high. Many children died before their first birthday. After the age of one year, the survival rate steeply increased, making this milestone a very happy one for the child's parents. It has also been a custom to celebrate a child's 100 day birthday (baek-il) , but in most areas this birthday is less important than the Tol and any celebrations are smaller in scale.Tol has two meanings in Korean. The most common meaning is a child's first birthday. It can also be used as a generic description for birthdays: Chut-tol (first birthday), Du-tol (second birthday), Seo-tol (third birthday), etc.
Traditional Tol CelebrationThe traditional celebration had four major components:
1) Praying and giving thanks
2) Making and wearing the birthday clothes
3) Preparing the table and performing the Toljabee
4) Sharing the food with guests and neighbors
So they make these beautiful dresses called Han Boks and we are hoping she comes home with one but if she doesnt we will be buying her one, so she will have that to wear. Then setting the table for Toljabee... there are certain foods that go on the table.. fruit, rice cakes, that kind of stuff THEN you put needle and thread, a book and pencil, rice, ruler and a knife. All of these things have meanings:
needle and thread: the child will live long
book, pencil, or related items: the child will become a successful scholar
rice or rice cake: the child will become rich (some resources say choosing a rice cake means the child is not smart)
ruler, needle, scissors: the child will be talented with his/her hands
knife: the child will be a good cook
What happens is the parents put what they want her to pick at the end of the table then the father takes the baby around and lets her choose things that appeal to her, the first 2 things are the most important, they are what shows what her future holds!
SO FUN!! Then we party likes its 1999!!
We will partake of this good time in a week or so from now as soon as she is feeling comfortable and not stressed. Anyways I just cant wait to get her home. Im up at 5 again just anticipating my baby girl in my arms finally! I hope she is having a wonderful birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALIA!!
**Got the photo today from Yedda!! What a great gift on her special day!
6 comments:
What an exciting culture. I get such an education just by reading your blog!! I love the symbolic b-day gifts. Have you learned any Korean phrases like "I love you" or "Are you hungry?"
Happy birthday Malia, I just had to comment as it is our daughter's Tol as well. We have only been home 12 days, my thoughts will also be with you and your daughter today. Have fun celebrating when she gets home.
Tressa
How about..."I'm your momma!"
Happy Birthday Malia! I've been thinking of her all morning knowing that this is her birthday. But, when they are this small, you can celebrate it any day! In fact, we are celebrating Ezra's bday today since we have too much going on on Wednesday!
That is so cool learning about the Korean traditions and I love how you are incorporating them into her life.
Only DAYS left until she is in your arms!!!
That is so exciting that you are so close to getting your little one!! And that you guys are wanting to involve her in her culture so much so she can know where she came from. I'm so happy for you and hope you post lots of pictures from when you get to pick her up! :)
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