A Korean Treat

Yesterday we celebrated Alexanders birthday with our family - grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. There were some aunts, uncles and cousins missing from out of town (you know who you are!) and we missed them!!

In Korea, the first birthday is a very special celebration. The child wears a traditional Korean hanbok - a beautiful silk garment that is worn on very special occasions such as weddings, etc. Alexander's foster mother presented us with this hanbok when we met her in Korea. She was very proud to give it to him, and made sure that we opened the box containing the hanbok in front of her. We will have his photo professionally taken in it and send her some photos of him.

The family participates in a ceremony called a Tol. The parents will lay out a few items in front of the child - each item indicates something about their future. The child is placed in front of the items and everyone watches to see what he chooses first. Traditional items would include a bow and arrow (child will be a warrior), needle and thread (symbolizing long life), paper and pencil (scholarly), etc. We placed a book (scholar), ball (athletic), microphone (musical), paintbrush (artistic), stethoscope (medical doctor) and money (wealth). As you can see by the photo below - Alex chose the paintbrush first. After this, he chose the money and then the book. So, I guess we get to look forward to him being an wealthy, artistic, scholar!

At the Korean Tol, there would normally be a big table full of food - mainly different kinds of fruit and many different kinds of rice cakes. We ordered a Korean rice cake from a local market and then supplemented with some rice puffs, chocolate, and of course, a Sesame Street cake! The rice cake was actually really tasty. The top of the cake says "Happy First Birthday" in Korean.

Now comes the first birthday, American style.... lots of gifts and lots of cake with gooey frosting. Alex enjoyed the cake and really dug in. Adam and Delaney enjoyed "helping" Alex unwrap his gifts and entertaining everyone. We had a couple very tired boys last night!