Why does a baby choose an object on their first birthday?

At a Korean first-birthday celebration, a baby may be placed in front of several symbolic objects and invited to choose one. The playful ritual is called doljabi and is used to imagine the child’s future.

WHY THE FIRST BIRTHDAY MATTERED

Historically, surviving the first year of life was itself a major milestone, which helped make the first birthday an important family celebration.

THE OBJECTS CHANGE WITH THE TIMES

Alongside traditional items such as thread, money or writing tools, modern sets may include a stethoscope, phone or sports gear to symbolize possible future paths.

Sources & context

2026-09-18