Li Baojun Culture

Dr Baojun Li on Chinese Celebration of the 1st year Birthday

1st year Birthday

There a traditional celebration of a Chinese baby’s one-year birthday, called “draw lots”. The family and friends will lay out items such as books, abacus, flowers, toy knives, dollar bills, rulers, etc., in front of the baby. Based the baby’s choice, the family can predict the baby’s interest and future career (e.g., books – writer; abacus – mathematician; rulers – tailor; dollar bills – business person; knives – chef; etc.). Although no one really believes it nowadays, the tradition is kept because it’s a fun time with family and friends. My daughter took the pen first. My son was interested in the abacus. He couldn’t pick it up. He was just interested in the noise it made.