Claras Doljabi-Korean First Birthday Celebration
I truly enjoy observing traditions that are special to every culture, so, when Eva contacted me to capture her daughters first birthday which would be honoring an old Korean tradition of Dol or Doljabi I was very excited to witness and capture such joyous occasion for the family.
The main event of the birthday party is the Doljabi, which celebrates the first birthday of a baby, while also blessing the baby with a prosperous future. The idea of the custom is to place various objects in front of the baby which symbolizes different professions and its meant to foretell future of the birthday baby. The baby then crawls and chooses an object which will signify their future as an adult. Clara's doljabi consisted of stethoscope (doctor), brush (artist), flask (scientist), violin bow (musician), gavel (judge), coins (economist), her uncles latest book (writer), and a string (long life). The guests are able to involve in this activity as well- they are asked to take a piece of paper and write down what they think the child will select. A slip of paper is then selected from the winning jar once the ceremony is over and that guest receives a small prize.
These days, it is also common for the birthday baby to wear a traditional Korean outfit called Hanbok and for the family to match with her. When this family came out wearing Hanbok set the whole party exclaimed with joy and then the family proceeded with the Dol ceremony (in which Clara chose a flask) and the blowing of the cake.
I felt extremely honored that Eva and her family trusted me to document their memories and that Clara will have these photos to remember that pice of her childhood. Here are some nice words from Eva herself:
“Hi Susanna,
These photos are incredible! You captured the entire spirit of the festivity all within your beautiful shots. We’re all so happy with the photos and we can’t wait to have you photograph for us again. Thank you so much! We have so many favorite photos and enjoyed looking at them together. ”
