Christopher’s Tol

September 25, 2012

Last week, we were on hand to celebrate a very special day in Christopher’s young life.  His parents, Carol and Scott, threw a party to mark his first birthday, or Tol, an important Korean tradition.  Christopher’s older siblings, Chase and Lotte, enjoyed mingling with family and friends before the toljabee, the main celebration.  Many types of food were served, and the table was also set with “a large spool of thread, a brush, a Korean calligraphy set, a pencil, a book, money (10,000-won bills) and a bow and arrow (or a needle, ruler and pair of scissors for girls).” Whatever the baby picks up is said to predict his future, and Christopher took a very long time in contemplating his choices at the table, finally settling on a paintbrush.  Taking photos of the birthday child is an important part of the modern tol, and we were happy to oblige!