Didi is turning 4 soon so this post is 3 years late. Well, life happens but better late than never right?

Feeling inspired to write this post because not many people heard of Ka Ta Kueh and Zhua Zhou. It’s a lost Chinese tradition which I thought is fun to have for your baby’s 1st birthday party because:

1. it’s cute to watch the little feet step on the big kueh

2. it’s entertaining to watch them pick their favourite object which is believed to be their destined career/ life

3. It’s the parents and family’s well wishes for the baby

Let’s start with Ka Ta Kueh. It is hard to find this huge ang ku kueh, so far we only found them in Ji Xiang ang ku kueh.

It is an old tradition where baby step on a pair of ka ta kueh and then wears the new pair of shoes prepared for him/her.

Stepping on the Ka Ta Kueh symbolises that everything would be smooth sailing 顺顺利利 as the baby grows up and also the parent’s wish for the baby to be down to earth 脚踏实地.

Next is Zhua Zhou, we didnt follow strictly the traditional list of items. We just used what we have.

The objects symbolise career choices or personalities traits. For didi, he chose the calculator and quickly the xylophones as his second choice.

According to wikipedia, this is the common list of items.

1. Book: scholar

2. Pen: writer

3. Seal: high rank officer

4. Calculator: businessman/ finance industry

5. Money: wealthy

6. Ruler: law industry

7. Spring onion: clever (cause sounds like 聪明)

8. Stethoscope: Medicine industry

9. Musical instrument: Music/ creative industry (not from wiki, but read it elsewhere)

Didi, may you have a smooth sailing life that is full of enriching experiences. Stay healthy, be happy and a sensible gentleman! I love you so much!