It’s Fun to Be One
Aalto and his proud parents Jackie and Alex
Once upon a time a lovely couple moved into a house in Berkeley which I had the pleasure of selling to them. Moving into their new home was even more exciting because they were expecting their first child! It was an honor that my husband and I were invited to their son’s first birthday party. In Korean tradition, a child’s first birthday, called the Doljanchi, is an important milestone meant to bless the child with a prosperous future.
- The Birthday Boy
Aalto looked cute in his dapper King’s outfit, a traditional Korean Jacket and hat from his grandparents.
The Korean Spread
The cake said "first birthday" in Korean
Young Aalto celebrated with adoring parents and friends. The traditional Korean food and birthday cake were from Koreana Plaza in Oakland, a local Korean supermarket.
The highlight of the party was a Korean ritual in which the child is placed in front of a table with foods and six objects, each with a special significance. He is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It’s believed that what a child in Korea chooses may reveal his destiny.
- Alex and Jackie prepare the table for Aalto
Here is the order in which Aalto made his selections:
Rice = Wealth
Yarn = Long Life
Squash Racquet = Athleticism
Red Dates = Fertility
Calligraphy Pen/Books = Scholar
Paints = Artistic
Aalto’s mother Jackie disclosed: “I did this when I turned one, and reportedly went straight for the books!” She is now a successful physician.
It makes you wonder…
What would you choose if you could do it all over again?