My Experience With Happy Birthday To You In Korean Language
As a Korean-American who grew up with both cultures, celebrating birthdays has always been a blend of traditions for me. While I love the cake and presents that come with American birthdays, I also enjoy the Korean tradition of eating seaweed soup on my birthday to honor my mother’s hard work during labor. But one thing that always brings joy to any birthday celebration, no matter the culture, is singing “Happy Birthday.”
The Importance of “Happy Birthday” in Korean Culture
While “Happy Birthday” is a universal song, the way it is sung and celebrated can vary by culture. In Korea, birthdays hold a special significance as they are considered a milestone in one’s life. In fact, many Koreans celebrate their “Korean age,” which is calculated differently than the internationally recognized age. This is because in Korea, a baby is considered one year old at birth, and then gains another year on the Lunar New Year.
Thus, singing “Happy Birthday” in Korean adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the celebration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Singing “Happy Birthday” in Korean
1. Start by saying “생일 축하해요” (saeng-il chukha-hae-yo), which means “Happy Birthday.”
2. Then, sing the Korean version of “Happy Birthday,” which goes like this:
“생일 축하합니다
생일 축하합니다
사랑하는 [name]의 생일 축하합니다”
Translation: “Congratulations on your birthday
Congratulations on your birthday
Congratulations on [name]’s birthday, whom I love”
3. Finish by saying “언제나 건강하시고 행복하세요” (eonjena geon-gang-ha-shi-go haeng-bok-ha-se-yo), which means “Always be healthy and happy.”
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Celebrating Birthdays in Korean
1. Cook or order Korean food for the birthday meal, such as bibimbap or Korean barbecue.
2. Decorate with traditional Korean colors, such as red, blue, and yellow.
3. Give a gift that reflects Korean culture, such as a hanbok or Korean beauty products.
4. Play traditional Korean games, such as yutnori or janggi.
5. Have a karaoke session and sing Korean songs.
6. Watch a Korean movie or drama together.
7. Make a traditional Korean dessert, such as tteok or patbingsu.
8. Learn a Korean dance or song together.
9. Have a tea ceremony using traditional Korean tea sets.
10. Make a wish lantern and release it into the sky, a popular Korean tradition for birthdays and other special occasions.
Pros and Cons of Singing “Happy Birthday” in Korean
Pros:
– Adds cultural significance and depth to the celebration
– Honors Korean heritage and traditions
– Can be a fun way to learn Korean language and culture
Cons:
– May be unfamiliar or difficult for non-Korean speakers
– Can be seen as exclusionary or divisive in a multicultural setting
My Personal Review and Suggestion
As someone who values both my American and Korean cultures, I love singing “Happy Birthday” in Korean as a way to honor my heritage. However, I understand that it may not be appropriate or comfortable for everyone. My suggestion is to always consider the context and audience when deciding whether or not to sing “Happy Birthday” in a different language. If it feels appropriate and respectful, then go for it!
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Is it necessary to sing “Happy Birthday” in Korean for a Korean person’s birthday?
A: No, it is not necessary. It ultimately depends on the individual and their personal preferences.
Q: Can non-Koreans sing “Happy Birthday” in Korean?
A: Yes, anyone can sing “Happy Birthday” in Korean. However, it is important to be respectful and mindful of cultural traditions.
Q: What is the significance of eating seaweed soup on a Korean person’s birthday?
A: Seaweed soup, or miyeokguk, is a traditional Korean dish that is believed to have health benefits for new mothers. Eating it on one’s birthday is a way to honor and thank one’s mother for her hard work during labor.