Traditional Dol Hanbok

The birthday babies wear a hanbok and a traditional hat, which are a jobawi for baby girls and a bokgeon for baby boys. The history of the Hanbok itself is quite interesting. Korea had a clothing tradition in which rulers and aristocrats adopted different types of intricate design based on class. Also, the status and position can be identified by the material of the hanbok. The upper classes dressed in hanbok of closely woven ramie cloth or other high grade lightweight materials in warmer months and of plain and patterned silks throughout the remainder of the year. Commonfolk had their Hanboks restricted to material derived from cotton. The patterns were embroidered on hanbok were differentiated depending on what should represent the wishes of the wearer. Peonies on a wedding dress, represented a wish for honor and wealth. Lotus flowers symbolized a hope for nobility, and bats and pomegranates showed the desire for children.

For children, traditionally new clothing and shoes were worn on Korean New Year, while at present, it is worn as a ceremonial garment for the Dol. Boys were an overcoat called a Kkachi durumagi. The clothes can also be called obangjang durumagi which means "an overcoat of five directions". It was worn over jeogori (a jacket) and jokki (a vest), while the wearer could put jeonbok (a long vest) over it. Kkachi durumagi was also worn along with headgear such as bokgeon, which is a cloth hat, hogeon (peaked cloth hat with a tiger pattern) for young boys or gulle (decorative headgear) for young girls. Joteta Baby Hanbok Shop provides these hanboks for customers looking to dress their baby with traditional wear.

The Modern Hanbok    

The modern hanbok can take influence from Western culture. With a quick Google search, some women choose to combine the traditional blouse top with a regular long skirt at the bottom. The clothing also doesn’t have to be gendered. Women can choose to wear trousers and men can wear skirts if they please. Men would traditional wear the clinched top with flowy sleeves and the open trousers. At the end of the day, the Hanbok simply needs to be colorful and have meaning to you and your connection to the celebration and culture. A modern Dol Boys Hanbok and a modern Dol Girls Hanbok can really come down to a a long sleeve blouse top and a colorful button whether that be a dress or trousers.

Tips for the best Dol Party

At its foundation, a Doljanchi really comes down to a celebration of one’s 1st year of life. It can be as simple as a small gathering of family and friends to something more grand. The first tip is to find a venue that will not only accommodate the Korean culture, but will embrace it with professionalism, respect and celebration. Then, select guests who are familiar with the custom and some perhaps that want to appreciate it without even knowing anything at all. It’s important to have cultural appreciation for the party especially if it’s not taking place in Korea to keep the tradition alive. The venue should also take into account of any dietary restrictions and have the tools to accommodate traditional Korean dishes. We would then choose a spot where''' guests can dine comfortably as well as easily participate in Korean ceremonies and games. Celebrations can have a guest count over a 100 people these days. These are merely some tips for Doljabi and its party, but it really depends on what works best for you to have fun! With some handy Doljabi items and a mood ready for festivities, you really can’t go wrong.