Korean Dol First Birthday Party Blends Tradition with Dr Seuss

Photographer James Kim had the pleasure of capturing his friend’s son’s Korean Dol first birthday party and in the Korean culture it’s a big ‘one’. Traditionally, the first birthday is a big celebration for Korean babies and a huge gathering where merriment is had by many is typically called for. Zachary’s parents put a modern twist on the Dol by adding in sprinklings of Dr. Seuss.

The child typically wears a Korean traditional outfit called a ‘han bok’ which is modeled delightfully by our future model, Zachary.

Here is the ritual where a stage set up with various items laid out before the child in an attempt to read the future life of the birthday boy. Things such as money for riches, stethoscope for medicine, book for smarts, string for long life, and in this case a guitar for a musician. The birthday boy chooses his favorite signifying what he’ll be when he grows up. Seuss is perfect for this area and Zachary chose his item to decide Oh the places he will go! Be sure to stay tuned to American Idol in a few years for Zachary’s performances.

Along with the great food, Zachary’s parents arranged face painting and an amazing puppet show for all the kids.

Thanks for sharing with us James!

Photos by  Pixel 99 Photography

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