(This is a bit of info I put on the back of the programs I made for the birthday service. Could write a lot more, but here are the basics...)
The first birthday party is an event where blessings are prayed upon the baby. The mortality rate used to be high in South Korea due to poor medical access, four extreme seasons, and many childhood related diseases. The survival rate of children increased sharply after one year of age, so this milestone was a major achievement and a very happy occasion for the family.
The food and items placed on the small round birthday table signify different blessings for the baby. Traditionally, the table used is either round or one with 12 angles and is either red in color or a red tablecloth is put over it if not red. Flowers and rice cakes of Korea’s five basic colors (black – north, red – south, green – east, white – west, brown – middle) adorn the table to bless the baby’s future and to pour in “ki/chi” energy. The foods placed are plain white rice cake, red bean rice cake, rice cake with sesame seeds & honey inside in five different colors, noodles, (uncooked) rice, fruit, Asian parsley, etc in small portions in a small stack (not piled high). We also place items like arrow & bow (for boys only), needles & ruler (for girls only), string, money, calligraphy brush, etc for the baby to choose to “predict” her future. Usually, the baby’s “helped” by the parents who strategically place certain times. :P
Rice – rich and eat well
String, noodles – long life
White rice cake – purity
Money – wealth
Bow & arrow – become brave and strong
Book, pencil, calligraphy brush – scholastic
Ruler, needle, scissors – talented with her hands
5-colored small round rice cake – north, south, east, west, middle, heaven and earth are all in peace with each other during her life
Asian parsley (or other long green vegetable) – lively, many descendants, long life
And as we’re in Silicon Valley… Mouse – IT engineer :D
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