Chut-tol

In the past, due to a lack of medical information, Korea's seasonal temperature differences, and many childhood related diseases, the death rate for children was extremely high. Many children died before their first birthday. After the age of one year, the survival rate steeply increased, making this milestone a very happy one for the child's parents.

In modern times, due to the improvements in medicine, the influence of Western culture, and modern industrialization, the Shamanistic reasons for the Tol celebration have been reduced. However, the event is still celebrated as a time of congratulations for the parents and family.

In the modern Tol, taking picture is an important part of the event. As many Korean homes are very small, many families rent a room in a banquet hall. The modern celebration includes the child's parents greeting guests, lighting candles on a birthday cake, the Toljabee event, and a toast.

•Traditional Tol Celebration

The traditional celebration has four major components:
1) Praying and giving thanks


2) Making and wearing the birthday clothes


3) Preparing the table and performing the Toljabee


4) Sharing the food with guests and neighbors

I was VERY honored that the {L} Family asked me to photograph such a special & monumental event!!!