This little cutie got all dressed in his birthday best and although he was not thrilled to wear his traditional Doljanchi (or Dol) outfit but he got used to it. Their session was in their beautiful new home in Delray Beach Florida.
I did not know much about this tradition but learned much more while sharing in this tradition with the family. It is a Korean tradition that celebrates the first birthday of a baby. This ceremony blesses the child with a prosperous future. The highlight of the dol is a ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, brushes, ink and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed the one selected will foretell the child’s future. For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, he/she is destined to be smart. If he/she picks up money he/she will be wealthy; If he/she picks up food that means he/she will not be hungry. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed he/she will live a long life. The types of objects placed on the table for the baby to choose has evolved over time, as a reflection of society’s evolving perception of successful occupations. However, many parents remain more traditional in their selection of objects to place on the table.
After he chose his item…which was the ball, (looks like he will be a team player in his future), he got to strip down and wear something more comfortable. We decided it was a good idea to go out for some fresh air before we did the cake smash, and of course he chose a ball again…he’s quite the little football player! lol

We ended the session with a cake smash…but we had to bribe him with Oreo’s because he was not into the cake what so ever! lol But Ryder is quite the handsome little dude and we had a good time at his session!