Words and Photo of Jen Soo from TheKoreanBaby.com
What is the very first thing that defines your identity? Fingerprints? Your physical appearance? The car you drive? Your position in the company? I would say it is your name. Before knowing someone or finding out more about that person, the very first thing you know about that person is his/her name.
In
When you first get married into the family, you will be addressed as “New Baby” (Sae Aga/Egi) by your parents in law. Sisters or brothers in law will have other honorifics for you and nobody will use your name.
On a lunar new year’s morning, we were at my parents in law’s place for the “jae-sa” (ancestor prayers). We spent the night there before and were supposed to wake up at about 5am to prepare. My father in law stood outside my room and asked, “Min Hye, are you awake already?” I answered him no because my daughter was still sleeping but little did I know he was referring to me! Only then did I find out that not only they call you so and so's Umma, but they also cut it short and just call you by your baby’s name.
Of
course I do believe there are exceptions in other families but on the
whole in general, this is how Korean culture is like. Most women here
are so natural and quick in introducing themselves as so and so’s umma.
Not only amongst the elders, (which is still understandable) but even
amongst friends, there are actually young people who introduce
themselves as baby’s umma when making new friends. As much as I enjoy
being an "Ajumma" here in
So the next time you hear your baby’s name being called, please check before responding. ^.^
Words by: Jen Soo of TheKoreanBaby.com
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