Monday, March 8, 2010

The celebration of special birthdays

People for the every birthday in Korea are congratulated especially on three birthdays such as the First, the 21st, and the 60th Birthday.
First of all, the first birthday is a very special celebration for Koreans. When a baby is born in the world a year later, we have celebrated the first birthday which is called 'Doljanchi'. This ceremony blesses the baby with a prosperous future, and it is a very significant traditional event in Korea. People bring gifts such as golden rings, clothing, or money and are served lots of food like rice cake of rainbow layers, fruits, and roast beef which is called 'Neubiani'. The highlight of the event is "Doljabi" which means that the baby picks up one thing such as a book, a bundle of bills, arrow or bow, and a ball of string. For example, if the baby picks up the book, the baby will become a scholar or if the baby chooses money, he or she will be affluent. Recently, some parents put computer mice, microphones, or basketballs on the table.
Another significant ceremony is the 21st birthday for Koreans. We congratulate the babies for becoming adults after the babies grow up and are a-twenty one-year-old. The age twenty one which is named 'Yakkwan' can be given certain privileges like active duty for the military and voting for the president and representatives of government. His or her friends give them birthday gifts such as roses and perfumes. Sometimes these new adults are given a little gold by their parents as well as currently, parents give them some money too. There are no particular events, but people simplify party with parents or friends. For instance, at home, we hold a simple party, cut the cake, and pray for the person with folded hands. After this birthday, they also can do another thing like buying alcohol or going to nightclubs by themselves.
Not only the first birthday and the 21st birthday but also another crucial birthday is the 60th birthday in Korea. People have a celebration on the 60th birthday which is called Hwangab. The number 60 means accomplishing one big circle and starting another life. The celebration party is also a hope for a prosperous life. The 60th birthday is the most important birthday in our life; therefore, only important people attend the party on this birthday. Family and relatives prepare a big party in a huge hall with lots of food. For example, the ceremony is usually held in buffet restaurants or wedding halls with lots of food and fruits. After the party is over, many of the Koreans who are 60 years old take trips with their family or relatives to celebrate the 60th birthday.
We celebrate not only the first birthday, the 21st birthday, and the 60th birthday
but also annually our birthday by family, friends, and relatives. Besides, these events are the tradition and should be continued ceremonies throughout our life.

6 comments:

  1. I like your detailed description about Korean 'Doljanchi'. I can imagine that I am in a ceremony of first birthday. Rice cake of rainbow layers, 'Neubiani',a bundle of bills, arrow or bow, and a ball of string etc...

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  2. Oh~~dead fish...You write a lot of details of the celebration of special birthday.Through your essay, i have better understanding on it. Good jod Ryan~~~Aja Aja

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  3. I like your thrid topic sentence. Jim always emphasized to use "not only, but also" in topic sentence. It was hard for me, but i feel i can do now after reading your essay.

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  4. The first and the 60th are both important in China as well. We have nearly the same traditional customs with you. HAHA you like night club so you appreciate the 21st birthday the best!

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  5. haha,Ryan. did you have this idea come from the speech which we did last quarter. but good job, you have some spread and extend information about Korea's birthday. anyway, i like it.

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  6. haha i know what you did it's a good developed essay about the special birthday. you talked more than before; it said about 21st and 60th birthday which we didn't research for the presentation!

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