Let's Learn about Korea: Tol

Since today is Bates' first birthday, let's learn about a 1st birthday party in Korea.

Celebrating a child's first birthday in Korea is a major event!
The celebration is called Toljabee or Tol.


In the olden days in Korea, before medical advancement, children often died before their first birthday. Once a child hit 12months, the survival rate was much higher, so this milestone became worthy of a big party.

There are four major components to a Tol celebration:
1) praying and giving thanks
2) wearing special birthday clothes, usually a hanbok
3) having a special table and practicing the Toljabee
4) sharing food and drink with family and friends.

All four elements are important but the most unique is the Tol table and performing the Toljabee. The table includes fruits, rice cakes, candy towers and other foods but also includes items that predict the child's future.

The items are moved to a smaller table and the birthday boy or girl sits and chooses items that interest them. The child's future is predicted according to the what he or she grabs. After placing the child in front of the table, the child's father becomes the guide for the child to go around the table and grab whatever he or she wants. The first and second items the child grabs are considered the most important.

Some of the traditional items on the table include:

bow and arrow=the child will become a warrior

thread=the child will live long

book or pencil=the child will become a successful scholar

money=the child will become rich

ruler=the child will be talented with his/her hands

spoon=the child will be a good cook.

Many parents add more modern and personal items on the table.

Hopefully, Bates' foster parents are having him a Tol today. Wonder what items they put on his Tol Table and wonder what he picks?

Let's have a little guessing game. Guess what item Bates picks and you will win a fun surprise when we get back from Korea!