61st Birthday Parties - "Hwangap"

In Korea the day you are born is your first birthday. Parents hold a large celebration once the child has survived 100 days. The only other birthday of equal significance is the "Hwangap" or 61st birthday. Traditionally, old age began when one reached 61 (60 in the western way of thinking). The Chinese lunar calendar is divided into 12 animal years, so once one goes through 5 cycles, they reach their 61st birthday. "Hwangap" means that one is starting the cycle all over again. It used to be that 60 years was the life expectancy for Koreans - but now, most live well into their 70s or 80s.

In September, we were invited to a Hwangap party for my good friend and mentor, Dr. Euisook Kim. The teaching assistants at the college of nursing decorated the faculty lounge, provided cake, fruit, coffee, and punch, and put together a slide show of Euisook's professional life. She received a lovely gift and eveyone had a wonderful time. Her office was filled with bouquets of flowers and good wishes (photos 1,2,3,4) .

The Fulbright program just celebrated its Hwangap. To commemorate it a sculpture and picture of Senator Fulbright was given by the Korean Fulbright alumni and dedicated at a special ceremony and luncheon at the office here in Seoul (photo 5).