Haejin Lee. Assignment 3. Dol Janchi - Your First Party Ever

   Birthdays have a significant meaning in traditional Korean communities, and some birthdays count more than others.  One of those very important birthdays here in Korea is your first birthday.  First birthday parties are called Dol Janchi in Korean, meaning Dol party.
   On the first birthday called "Dol," babies get out of their white, delicate baby suit and are dressed in their very first party outfits.  The typical outfit is a colorful striped jacket called "Sekdong Jugori." Each color of these stripes carry three to five colors, each representing different blessings in life.  Korean clothes for children and youths often have these "sekdong" patterns.  Stripes are usually one inch wide.  The colors stand for a healthy, long and peaceful life.
   Just like any other party, food is very important at a Dol Janchi.  In fact, every dish at a Dol Janchi bears specific meanings.  The five main colors that Koreans believe to bring good deed and fortune - red, green, yellow, white, black - are found in all kinds of food at the Dol Janchi.  Giving meaning to colors has a similar idea with 'sekdong' patterns on the baby's clothes.  From main dish and drinks to snacks and fruits, the table itself carries specific meaning and blessing for the occasion.
   One of the most entertaining event at a Dol Janchi is the baby's grab or 'Doljabi.' At a doljabi, you set on the table several objects related to different vocations or distinctions.  For example, if the baby grabs a pencil, people guess the baby would become a scholar; if the baby grabs money, guests would congratulate the parents saying the baby will grow up to be rich; or the baby choosing a spool of yarn means the baby would have longevity.  The randomness and good tidings are the fun of Doljabi.
   The most popular gift for Dol is a golden ring.  As many other culture, Koreans thought of gold not only as a valuable treasure, but also a symbol for good luck.  The gifts for Dol Janchi is for congratulating the baby reaching its first birthday.  They bear good tiding and also have a sense of supporting the family raising the child.  These gifts are valued and, in most cases, are saved until the baby grows up.  It may also be an investment for the child for big events like a wedding.
   A Dol Janchi is, of course, a family occasion.  But in traditional Korean communities, where most neighbors are related to each other, Dol Janchi was also a very good opportunity for the whole town to celebrate and share the joy.  It seems natural that tradition is kept in urban areas of modern Korea.  It is another way to let their new borns be blessed by loving families and friends, and be reminded of the support we get in life.