The doljanchi first birthday celebration comes from the great significance Koreans place on children and family. Korean people often know their family tree going back hundreds or thousands of years thanks to a jokbo or "family ancestry book." Children are celebrated because they represent the family continuing for generations to come. Celebrating a baby's first birthday is part of the family and friends' wish for the baby to continue growing up healthy and to be successful in the future.
The Korean age system comes from the traditional lunar calendar. Maybe you know about "Chinese New Year," which is celebrated around February because it is based on a different calendar. Traditionally, Koreans follow the same calendar as China. In old times, age was simply counted by the years on the calendar because each year has a special meaning like the Year of the Monkey, Year of the Dragon, Year of the Rat, and others.
This tradition is more connected to Korean society and social customs than to the physical environment. However, for sure, this tradition is linked to a belief in a happy, healthy family environment!
