A 100th Day Celebration in the Maldives

Baby Florence

More and more, I find that I don’t need big reasons to celebrate. I suppose that is the silver lining of any season of challenge and change. You come to appreciate things—big, small or ordinary. Though a 100th day celebration is no ordinary thing, I appreciate what it celebrates. I was delighted to capture baby Florence’s big event with her family in the Maldives.

What is a 100th Day Celebration?

In many Asian cultures, the 100th Day celebration is a significant milestone celebrated in a variety of ways. In Korean and Chinese culture, the first 100 days of an infant’s life are very important. It is a time set aside for the mother and child to fully bond. It’s also a time for the baby to build up its immunity and to remain protected from illness. This period, especially the first month, is a vital time of recovery for the mother. 

Also called baek-il in Korean, the 100 day milestone was established at a time when many infants did not survive past this point. It became a true celebration of life to mark the passage of the first 100 days of life. And so during those days, the baby is kept at home and away from the public. In some cultures, the child will remain in the protected care of his or her parents and not even go outside until the 100th day. Some families still observe this tradition, while others have adapted it to fit the needs of their lifestyle. But being intentional about the bonding and recovery time is still a tradition that is very much alive. 

Chinese Traditions

In Chinese culture, the 100th day celebration, sometimes known as the “full moon,” also honors and marks the first days of the baby’s life at home with his or her mother. This bonding time is very protected, and the 100th day celebration event may even mark the first time that some friends or family are meeting the baby. These celebrations are often as meaningful and infrequent as a wedding celebration. Loved ones come from near and far to celebrate the important moment. The tradition also represents a wish for the child’s longevity—that it will live 100 years.

Beautiful Traditions

The 100th day celebration is a festive event for the whole family, extended relatives and friends. Often, family members wear traditional Korean clothing, such as hanboks. Or in Chinese culture, the baby may wear a Longevity Lock and something red, signifying “happiness.” Festive food and decor punctuate the event, as well as symbols of blessing.

These days, a modern 100th day celebration may look a lot like a Western wedding or a grand baby shower. It may feature personalized decorations, like the napkins monogrammed with Florence’s initials, or the decorated cookies with her name on them. 

Much like a baby shower, it’s customary for guest to bring gifts for the baby. Often friends and family bestow cash gifts or objects of gold or jade as a blessing to the child. They also present well-wishes and toasts for happiness, health, prosperity and long life. 

Florence’s 100th Day Celebration

Baby Florence’s modern-day 100th day celebration pulled out all the stops. Set on the stunning beaches of the Maldives, this destination celebration was fit for a princess. And why not? Florence’s family held a beautifully planned event, with a lemon-themed banquet dinner, dancing and festivities. The beautiful tradition brought together family and friends in a gorgeous location to celebrate life. I can’t think of a better reason to order up champagne, deck the tables and raise a glass. 

A baby does a lot of growing in the first 100 days, and after witnessing this celebration I was struck by how meaningful the tradition is and how much wisdom it reflects. It was my first 100th day celebration and I hope it is not my last. I am truly taken with the beauty of the tradition and the marking of this milestone, especially with unforgettable family portraits.

Like every important milestone in our lives, capturing these fleeting moments, to be enjoyed and remember for generations to come is, simply, the joy of my life.

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A few days in Maldive inspired a celebration of my own. Check out my: