I’ve been photographing Sophia since she was an itty bitty thing. She has grown up to be a beautiful baby who just celebrated her first birthday! Turning one is a very significant birthday, but even more so in the Korean culture. I’ve learned there are three very important stages in a Koreans life, their 1st birthday, their wedding and their 60th birthday. I also learned that at the child’s first birthday (also known as the Tol celebration) there are four very key components:
- Praying and giving of thanks
- Making and wearing of birthday clothes
- Preparing the table and performing the Toljabee
- Sharing food with guests and neighbors
Below are some images from Sophia’s birthday in Franklin, TN.
In this photograph, Sophia is performing the Toljabee event, where she picks items from a table that will predict her future. Here she has grabbed money which means that she will be rich. Both Sophia and Olga seem pretty happy about this choice!
Happy Birthday Sophia!
by Jessica Rayborn Photography
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