Doljanchi

Doljanchi
A doljanchi being held for a child (2007)
Korean name
Hangul
돌 or 돌잔치 or 돐 or 돐잔치
Revised Romanizationdol or doljanchi
McCune–Reischauertol or tolchanchi

Dol or doljanchi (Korean돌; 돌잔치) is a Korean tradition that celebrates a baby's first birthday.

The tradition has been practiced since the early Joseon period. The ceremony typically involves the ritual offering of a samsinsang to the god Samsin (whom is said to watch over children), the preparation of a dolsang with various foods and ritual objects, and a doljabi (based on the Chinese zhuazhou), where children are encouraged to pick up an object that is said to predict their future.

The practice has changed over time. Traditionally, the doljanchi was held at the family home and involved a number of ritual offerings. Now, the practice is often held at reserved venues and is celebrated as a secular party. Its practice has also spread internationally with the Korean diaspora.


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