Thursday, February 26, 2009

100th Day Baby Celebration


We've posted a lot about the Dol Party but have yet to mention the 100th day celebration or "Paegil" party. One hundred days after a baby is born, Koreans have a small feast to celebrate the baby's survival and health. The feast is much smaller than the Dol party. Rice cakes, red bean cakes and other traditional Korean food is usually provided.

The samshin halmoni (birth grandmother) is given offerings of rice and soup to show gratitude in caring for the baby and mother. It is also tradition to place red bean cakes at four compass points within the house to prevent bad luck and bring good fortune to the child.

Among Korean Americans, the gathering is usually celebrated among close family members at their home.

The cute baby is Lucy, our friend's daughter who is 1/2 Korean and 1/2 Dutch. Isn't she so cute?