Luci's Tol Celebration

This past weekend we had a big celebration for Luci's first birthday. In the Korean culture, this birthday is called a tol and it is a BIG deal. The tradition started before there was easy access to good medical care. If a Korean child made it to their first birthday, there was a good chance they would survive so the family threw a big party. We wanted to incorporate some of these traditions into Luci's party so we had a Korean/American birthday celebration.

The party began with Luci dressed in the beautiful hanbok that Mrs. Kim (her foster mother) had purchased for her. Jason brought her in and she chose items that represented her destiny. I had laid out a knife representing a good cook, a pen and book (successful scholar), money (wealth), spool of thread (long life), jujubes (couldn't find any so we used cherries for many descendants), and a ruler and scissors (good with her hands). I had our guests vote on which they thought she would pick as they arrived. Everyone cheered her on as she surveyed her choices. She went straight for the pen and book and then moved to the money. Based on her choices, she will grow up to be a wealthy and successful scholar.

Here's a little secret for my blog readers: I cheated! Yes, I set my baby and her destiny up! Luci's favorite color is blue and she loves the book Little Cloud by Eric Carle. So, I chose a pen with a blue cap and put Little Cloud underneath. I knew that would be the first thing that caught her eye. I also cheated with the money. The 1000 bill in Korean won is blue, so I put it on top with the nice, shiny coins laid right on it. I know my daughter and she did well! So we will see if mommy chose the correct destiny for her daughter!

Following the tol ceremony, Luci opened all her presents. She loves her toys and she got so many good new ones! Thank you everyone!

As the kids played with all the new loot, we cooked dinner. We wanted an American take on Korean food so we made Bulgogi burgers topped with onions and red lettuce with a side of sweet potato chips. Dessert was very American...cake and ice cream! She dove right in and made a big mess! Luci never disappoints!

The party was so much fun and we were blessed with wonderful family to celebrate this joyous occasion among. Enjoy the pics!

Birthday balloons marking the party location

Luci's grand entrance in her beautiful hanbok


My wealthy and successful scholar (so I cheated a little)


She sure loves her blue pen!


Opening her presents with cousins Dylan and Allie looking on.


Tol/Birthday cake


Make a wish!


Loving the icing!


Her face just keeps getting sweeter, even without the icing.