What is '100 Days' Baby Celebration?

Posted by TheClickExpert on March 22nd, 2021

Recently, I had been contacted by a client to do a newborn and a family photography session to celebrate their 100 Days. I was obviously happy to oblige but admittedly had no idea what 100 Day celebration was. I had an idea that it was the baby's 100 days since birth, but why was this more important than, let’s say 6 weeks?

I remember when I had my first child, everyone was telling me and my wife that once you pass through the 6-week mark, it will get easier. 

Well, we were both waiting for the 6-week mark. By the time it came, although we were completely in love with our daughter, we knew that sleepless nights were not about to just end! Our life was forever changed and the 6-week mark was just how long it took to have that mindset! It was the time it took for us to accept that there are now three of us in the family.

Now, back to 100 Days. A quick Google search revealed that in many Asian cultures, 100 Days is an auspicious event. In ancient time, due to diseases, the first 100 days of the baby’s life is the most dangerous. As for the mother, dying within 100 days after birth was also common. 

Visitors are not allowed to see the baby during this time. A mother is expected to have complete bed rest and only care about the baby. Usually, a close relative will be allowed to look after all the house chores, so that mother and baby can bond.

Once the baby and mother have both passed the 100 Days, a big celebration takes place! In China, relatives and friends are invited to have a one-month-old-baby banquet. Gifts or money in red envelopes will be given by relatives and friends.

In Korea, it’s called Baek-Il, and on the 100th day, a family would traditionally pray and give food offerings to thank the Shaman spirit of childbirth for the child having survived this difficult period.