' Tae Jung and Ha Ru ' , 2020 , Digital Photography,  36 X 46cm

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The traditional Korean “Baek-il” event is a centuries-old tradition considered a norm in many Korean households. This signifies a major milestone within the Korean culture of a child’s 100th day after birth because of the high infant mortality during the 18th Century until the Korean War in the 1950s. 

 

In South Korean culture, the number 100 is historically symbolic for entirety, completeness, fullness, and integrity. Highlighted in the Baek-il, as a celebration of an infant’s 100th day after birth, 100 is significant and is often represented as a perfect number in Korean folklore with 100 days being long enough to see changes in the seasons and life. The tradition of celebrating a child successfully surviving -the first 100 days and the milestone to grow up into an adult allows us to ruminate on its true value, particularly in this unprecedented time of Covid-19. Moreover, given the recent spread, the virus may exacerbate Korea’s reputation for having one of the lowest fertility rates worldwide. A child born during this pandemic is surrounded by loved ones and extended families, where happiness and love border anxiety and concern, and in this portrait, there stands a mother behind her daughter supporting and protecting her child.

 

 The photograph shows a double portraiture of my younger sister celebrating this milestone with her daughter dressed in the Hanbok during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an attempt to reflect on the vulnerability of life and the strength of motherhood during these unprecedented times. I focus on capturing motherhood and child infancy while celebrating a centuries-old tradition of a child’s 100th day - a special day - “Baek-il”- on earth amidst this pandemic. Likewise, it is wishing a child good health and longevity while placing a mother and her baby in a contemporary setting.​​​​