The Korean first-birthday object-choice ritual linking a child’s selection to a possible future is called doljabi.
During doljabi, adults place several objects in front of the child and invite the child to choose one. Traditional objects can represent occupations, talents, prosperity, longevity, or other hopes for the child’s life. The interpretation is ceremonial and playful rather than a formal prediction system.
Doljabi is part of doljanchi, the broader Korean celebration of a child’s first birthday. Confusing the two terms is common: doljanchi names the whole celebration, while doljabi names the selection activity.
Families today often update the object choices to reflect modern careers and interests. The ritual remains popular because it gives guests a memorable, symbolic moment within the birthday gathering.