DOLJABI

What is this "Doljabi" thing all about, really?

Heard that one enough times, so here's a bit of this and that taken from several sources on the web about the Korean Doljabi.

• The Korean 1st Birthday is called the Dol Jabi Party and in Korea is celebrated 100 days after your birth because they calculate the nine months of pregnancy into your age. Here in America, however, it is typically celebrated on the one year anniversary of your birth.  (FantaseaBlog)

• It's a ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, books, 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 brush or book, he is destined to be a scholar. If he picks up money or rice, he will be wealthy; cakes or other food, a government official; a sword or bow, a military commander. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed he will live a long life. 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. Some parents place a computer mouse on the table, which signifies success in the high-tech field, or a toothbrush, hoping that the baby will be a dentist. However, many parents remain more traditional in their selection of objects to place on the table. This 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. (Wikipedia / Little Seouls)