Our friends John and Laurie, who have 3 children, ages just the same as ours just celebrated their son's 1st birthday, and did it Korean style! In Korea, a child's first birthday is a huge celebration, and it's called a Tol. From what I understand, it consists of praying, wearing special outfits, and eating food and cake. The outfits they are wearing are called Hanboks, which are worn on holidays or special family gatherings. The party was at a group home, run by Korean Christians that helps those in need. Laurie and her family visit this home often, and in lieu of giving gifts to Benjamin, they asked everyone to bring rice for the home. Oddly enough, this home was in the middle of rural rice fields. For those of you who didn't know, rice is a staple food here, and it is eaten at every meal. 
Benjamin-the birthday boy!
Benjamin, Jannah and Faith
The cuisine consisted of watermelon (a favorite fruit in Korea), kimchi, bulgogi, baked potatoes, fruit, corn, rice cakes, ghimbap, and chapchae. It was a great American/Korean combo!
Faith and her Mom (Laurie)
Jordan could NOT wait to hit the pinata, or "pinato" as he called it. He also wanted to take the firetruck home with him! I think we should have a "pinato" at his next birthday party :)
The man playing the saxophone was our entertainment for the event. The man on the right is the preacher of the home, he did most of the talking. We didn't understand much, except for "hallelujah", which he said in every sentence!
1 comment:
What fun! I love that they are embracing Korean traditions while they are here.
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