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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Korean First Birthday Celebration

The centuries old traditional Korean Tol celebration is alive and well. This first birthday of a Korean child is still celebrated as a time of congratulations for their parents and family. In Korean culture this milestone event is marked with the making and wearing of the Hanbok, the traditional dress worn during festivals and celebrations, and tables set with dozens of varying symbolic items.

Each food prepared has a specific meaning. Steamed rice cakes represent a pure spirit, sticky rice cakes are a wish that the child grow to be tenacious and strong, noodles represent a long life. Along with food, other items are placed on the table and are necessary to complete the Toljabee event. The child is guided around the table, generally by their father, and the items that attract them are said to be a prediction of their future. Here are some examples as to the types of objects that can be presented to the little one and what choosing them can mean.

Needle and thread – the child will live a long life
Book or pencil – the child will become a successful scholar
Ruler, needle or scissors – the child will be talented with their hands

The birthday child is placed at the table so that the other guests can face them in yet another sign that they are the center of attention on their special day.

In the modern Tol, taking a picture of the child is an important part of the event. The photo is generally taken with the child seated and a Korean traditional screen used as the background. These photos can be taken in advance and used as the focus of your Tol invitation.

Naptime Productions is pleased to offer Korean first birthday invitations to help your family celebrate this special occasion. These two Tol Invitation designs feature the traditional hanbok.

Steeped in custom and tradition, this birthday celebration continues to say “Saengil chukha hamnida”. Happy Birthday.

Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 2:54:43 PM
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Pirate Birthday Party Ideas

Ahoy Mateys! Climb aboard for some fun and games, little pirate style! If you little one loves playing pirate, a pirate theme birthday party is a must! Fun for all the little deck-swabbers... and there is a lot of ocean to travel!

Begin with a pirate birthday party invitation to set the mood. Be sure to include plenty of little sailors on your guest list since you'll need a boatload. We normally plan for one guest per year of age, however, since many friends may have other obligations on a Saturday afternoon, you will want to invite a few extra.

For decorations and favors combined, you may want to consider a small treasure chest for each guest. Not only can they decorate them when they are at the table, but you can fill them with gems and jewels and chocolate coins. Here are some treasure chest supplies and fillers we found online:

Red and black are the obvious color choices. Decorations for the party room could include pirate balloons, a pirate flag, red and black stripes, snacks and a big treasure chest. Choose your food and beverage names with care! Little pirates may prefer "shark blood" to "fruit punch" as was mentioned in this pirate party description.

An "ancient" pirate map (folded, creased and perhaps "aged" with some yellow food coloring and singed edges) could lead the little pirates on a treasure hunt for prizes. This party game can be as challenging as you wish to make it, with clue leading to clue.

If a full-grown pirate could attend the party (dad? grandpa?) they could give sword fighting lessons to the little pirates, but only if they are dressed in their bandanas and eye patches and have applied their ship's secret pirate tatoo. These inflatable swords are good training gear. Do winners or losers have to walk the plank? (It depends upon what you get to jump into! The dark sea of pillows could be fun.)

Cakes or cupcakes can be based on a treasure chest, pirate symbols (skull & crossbones, treasure, dagger) or even a pirate ship.

You can print free pirate coloring pages to use as a getting assembled activity.

All aboard for some pirate fun!