Every milestone is special in your baby’s first year, but some milestones hold greater significance than others.  I love the Korean tradition of celebrating a baby’s 100th day.  After booking a few 100 day sessions for families a few years ago, I had to look up and learn about this tradition which was totally foreign to me.

“Long ago in Korea childhood diseases were common and the survival rate for new born babies was very low. The high death rate was due to a lack of medical information, poor hygiene, Korea’s harsh winters and humid summers, and many other childhood related diseases. To protect their children and to give the best chance of survival, parents refrained from taking the baby outdoors until the 100th day after the birth. On that 100th day, a family would traditionally pray and give food offerings to thank the Shaman spirit of childbirth for the child having survived this difficult period. If the child was sick at this time, the family would pass the day without celebration or party as this would be considered bad luck for the infant. At this time in Korea, the 100th day was seen as a critical day of a child’s life.

Traditionally the number 100 has a deep meaning of maturity in Korea; making it past the first 100 days was a sign that you would live to see your first birthday, and making it past your first birthday was a sign that you would make it out of infancy. Improvements in medicine, rapid development and modern industrialization have led to the Shamanistic reasons for the celebration being reduced. The event is still celebrated in modern day Korea as a time of congratulations for the parents and family, however it is important not to forget the traditions and meanings behind the celebration.” (Asiansociety.org)

I am so grateful for the advances in medicine and the standard of living that make it possible for most babies to make it past their 100th day.  I love being part of family traditions and celebrations!

Wishing this beautiful little lady 100 years of happiness!

Contact me to book your Baby’s milestone photography session

Jennifer Wilcox Photography is located in Puyallup, Washington.  Jennifer is Puyallup’s premier newborn photographer.  As a professional photographer, Jennifer captures maternity, newborn and baby, portraits for families in the Seattle, Tacoma and Puyallup metro areas.