The number 100 has a special cultural meaning in Korea. Its traditional significance is already very Korean and contextual, but it is more interesting to see the number has even developed into the modern sense.
The first hundredth day of a baby’s life, baegil, have long been cherished as the first happy celebration of a baby’s birth in a family. In earlier generations, when medicine was limited and infant life was far more fragile, many babies did not survive their first months. The 100th day was when the baby was dressed in nice colorful outfit, was able to get all the words of blessings without fear of harm from any kind of jealous devil. And this custom is still alive in the modern Korea.
In older days, families cooked baeil-tteok (rice cake in 100th day celebration) and had a feast among families and friends, who would visit with gifts for the baby. Today, there are restaurants specifically designed for this purpose.
The tradition to celebrate the first 100 days of birth has led to another celebration in the young people. They celebrate their 100th day of meeting with 100 roses bouquet and “couple rings.”
The number 100 [pron. baek, 백] also gives to Koreans our wishes for healthy long life, and often appears in celebrating cards, “백수를 빕니다 = I hope you’ll give to one hundred years old,” and brand names of food that boasts of healthiness, especially for seniors, as in “백세삼계탕 = ginger chicken soup for 100 year’s old).
Opening the Door to Maktharon has as its subtitle: 100 Days of Oblivion
The author’s creative world of Maktharon holds a meaning that goes far beyond a period of time for 100 years. As with the Koreans’ celebration of the first 100 days of a new-born baby, there is uncertainty of life versus death in this story. Another aspect of the 100 days both shares is that there are a bunch of joys and happy surprises in the story as in a baby’s first 100 days.
On the other hand, there is a contrast between the baby’s 100 days and that of Maktharon, which offers a unique excitement to the readers throughout journey. As a traditional celebration, the 100 days is more of a prelude to a life to follow the life than others. The 100 days on the Maktharon is a reflection of their whole life before coming and also a determining stopping place before they can move on to a world of eternity – with peace of heart over life’s problems resolved through the efforts of the two characters.
Jungsook Kim