Dol Party

The birthday girls. It's hard to get them to smile at the same time!

Sitting at the table of traditional Dol rice cakes.

Our family of four.

The happy parents.

Grace and her Great-Grandmother.

This weekend, we traveled to my parent's house to celebrate Faith & Grace's one year birthday. Traditionally in Korea, the Dol is one of the most celebrated birthdays in a person's life. In ancient times, when medical information was lacking and childhood diseases were common, if a child lived past their first birthday, it was considered to be a very happy milestone. In modern day, the Dol is still celebrated as a congratulations to the happy parents and family.
The traditional celebration has four major components:
1.) Praying and giving thanks.
2.) Wearing the traditional clothes, the hanbok.
3.) Preparing the table and performing the *Toljabee.
4.) Sharing food with family and friends.

The Toljabee is a custom where different items are put out in front of the child. The child's future is predicted by whatever they pick first.
For example:
A pen or pencil = a good writer
A book = a scholar or really smart
String or thread = a long life
Money = rich

With both our girls, we put out each of these items plus a camera (a future photographer) and for fun, we put out a golf ball. Faith and Grace both love anything electronic so we were almost certain that they were going to pick the camera or the book. To Morgan's joy and delight both our girls picked the golf ball! He says he is staying in shape just so he can caddy for his girls one day! LPGA, here we come!

The girls held up wonderfully throughout the whole party. They were passed around from person to person and both did not cry at all. They were just happy and content. Hooray! They must have felt the love all around. It was so wonderful to see our families and dear friends. Some came from hours away and it meant so much to have you join us on this special day. We enjoyed traditional Korean food and a table full of colorful Dol rice cakes. Thank you also to my parents, Rich and Emily, and the whole Walswick family for helping us with the party! We love you and appreciate you all very much!