The Double Milestone: A First Birthday & First Tooth
Taken as our little star was curiously peering into the lens, likely wondering, ‘What sorcery is this?’ Well.. something along those lines...
The Kozhukattai Ceremony
The Kozhukattai Ceremony (often called Pallu Kozhukattai or the "First Tooth Ceremony") is a South Indian tradition celebrated when a baby’s first tooth finally makes its debut. It is a gathering centered around the baby’s transition to a lifelong relationship with food.The heart of the ceremony is the Kozhukattai: a delicate, steamed sweet rice dumpling. Here is how the magic of the day unfolded:
The Kozhukattai Rain: The most iconic visual of the day. A white lace cloth or a traditional arisi murum (rice sieve) is held over the baby’s head while the family pours a "rain" of kozhukattais and other symbolic items over the baby (all gently gently yes!)
The Fortune-Telling Game: Along with the kozhukattais, symbolic items usually include a book (knowledge), gold (wealth), and money (prosperity). In this session, our little star bypassed the gold and reached fornot one, but two pens! It looks like we have a prolific writer or scholar in the making.
Let Toddlers Be Toddlers
Between the back-to-back activities and the inevitable dress changes for the birthday celebration immediately following (yes this was also the first birthday, two birds in one eh), the last thing I want is to tire or annoy our little star for the sake of a 'perfect' photo.
In my practice of Tender Portraiture, I am particularly firm about one rule: I do not ask children to pose or force a smile.
I find the practice of coaching children – especially young girls – to constantly "look pretty" or "smile for the camera" particularly agitating. Children are naturally curious, chaotic, and wonderfully unpredictable. When we demand a performed smile, we aren't just getting a fake expression; we are actively taking away the child's time and space to simply be themselves.
My goal is to document your child’s genuine reactions to the world around them. Whether they are wide-eyed with confusion or fiercely focused on grabbing two pens at once, those are the moments that actually matter. I’d much rather capture a look of pure, unscripted wonder than a practiced grin that doesn't reach their eyes.