For generations, Koreans have celebrated a child’s first birthday, known as “doljanchi,” as a significant milestone. A key part of this tradition is the preparation of a special outfit called saekdong clothes.
Saekdong clothes are a unique form of traditional Korean attire, characterized by their vibrant rainbow-colored sleeves, symbolizing the innocence and joy of childhood. Families would carefully collect scraps of colorful fabric and sew them together to create these outfits, or they would weave fabrics with a combination of bright colors specifically for this purpose.
The origins of saekdong clothing can be traced back to ancient murals, such as those in Koguryeo (277 BCE–668 CE). For example, the mural in the Kaema Tomb depicts garments with sleeves adorned in white, crimson, and red stripes, reflecting the early design of saekdong attire.
Saekdong clothes were not uniform in design; they included variations such as saekdong jogori (jackets) and saekdong durumagi (overcoats). The colors varied, sometimes including green, pink, or blue, while excluding others. Gold patterns, embroidery, or decorations were often added to enhance the garment’s beauty, especially on the colorful sleeves. During winter, saekdong clothes were crafted from thicker silk for warmth.
A simpler version, samsaekdong clothes, featured sleeves with three primary colors. These variations catered to children’s preferences and ensured the attire was both practical and visually appealing. For boys, the saekdong jogori was typically longer, extending to the waist. Girls wore shorter, more elaborate saekdong jeogori, paired with bright red skirts (dahong chima), a tradition that added elegance and charm to their attire.
Today, saekdong clothing remains an integral part of Korean culture. While it is traditionally worn on a child’s first birthday, it is also encouraged on festive occasions and even ordinary days, preserving a timeless connection to Korea’s cultural heritage.