Baby Steps Towards Korean Traditions

Daniel is now 1 Month. Well officially he will be on Sunday since that’s the 27th of the month. But since I go weekly by Fridays then I’m counting today. With Daniel getting older I want to follow the Korean tradition. Sadly I’m behind in getting his clothes and having professional photos done. The delay is partly because I didn’t finish researching what type of clothes he needs and what happens with 1 months olds Korean boys. I’ll have to ask the women in the NKMTK (married to Korean men) group for info and suggestions. I’ll also tap my Korean co-workers now that I’m allowed to visit. Shucks might as well also try the Korean adoption yahoo group. I hope to get all info and take his photo by the end of the month. A little late but I’ll try to be more prepared for the 100 days and 1 year tradition.

 

Oddly, Guyanese folks don’t have any traditions for the 1 month mark. I’ll have to find a Guyanese tradition to celebrate with him.

 

*UPDATE*

Well I got the info from my co-workers and women in the married to Korean men group. Seems no one celebrates the first month. My Korean co-workers had a good laugh at me about being early. Darn them.

It’s the 100th day (baek-il) and 1st birthday (Tol) that’s celebrated with special clothes, photos, foods and a party. I doubt I’ll do the party…who can I invite? But the other parts should be fun. I have to dress him in a “Hanbok” and get photos taken. My Korean “mom” Young Mi will get one for Daniel since I’m clueless about where to shop and they cost about $100 and up. Yeah I know. We’ll see if I’ll take the photos myself or have them done by a pro when the time comes. For sure I’m not trying to cook any of the treats. Best to get those by a pro or someone who knows how to make them. Yummm

 

Odd bit of insider info about the photo requirements. Seems along with dress-up photos, I should have no-clothes photos also. It’s custom to proudly show off the penis of the baby boys in the photos. While I want to respect my son’s heritage there’s a limit to how far I’m going to follow tradition.