In a recent blog post, I reflected on the Korean tradition of wearing Saekdong Hanbok. This piece was created using traditional Korean Saekdong fabric (composed of colorful striped bands) to celebrate the birth of my grandson. In Korea, a child’s first birthday is celebrated with a special ceremony where they wear a vibrant Saekdong Hanbok and are surrounded by the love and blessings of their entire family.

I believe that the birth of life is the most precious of all events – something truly deserving of celebration. The birth of life is, in itself, a miracle. To welcome a new life into the world is to witness love and hope taking root once again.

Nothing in this world is eternal, and all that exists will, in time, fade away. Yet, like the turning of the seasons, the continual renewal of life remains profoundly wondrous.

We grow humble in the face of death, and equally humble before every new life. Even in a world not always filled with happiness, we find ourselves naturally offering warm words of blessing: “Welcome to this world.”

The birth of life is not merely a beginning, but a bridge beyond our finite existence – a connection to infinite possibility.

For this reason, I believe we should rejoice in every moment of new life, celebrate it with sincerity, and embrace it with warmth – holding onto the hope that all living beings may coexist in harmony.

Title: Celebrating New Life (by Mijoo Jin)

Size: 42” (H) x 43” (W)

Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Cotton thread, Metallic thread

Techniques: Machine-pieced, Machine-quilted, Improv quilt