A Glimpse into Zhua Zhou: Taiwan’s Adorable Fortune Telling Ceremony

Unlike in Western cultures where a child’s first birthday is usually marked by a cake smash or a simple family gathering, in Taiwan you might witness a delightful scene filled with laughter, hope, and a bit of playful fortune telling: the Zhua Zhou ceremony, literally “grabbing the first birthday.” Zhua Zhou is more than just a fun tradition. It has deep roots in Taiwanese culture.

What Is "Zhua Zhou"?

On a child’s first birthday, Taiwanese parents set up a small ceremony with a selection of objects like stethoscopes, microphones, calculators, and paintbrushes. Each item represents a different career or skill, and whichever one the baby picks first is said to hint at their future interests or talents. It is like a crystal ball but cuter and with more drooling.

(Source: Windsor Hotel)

The Ceremony in Action

This ceremony takes place during the baby’s first birthday celebration, surrounded by loved ones who are all caught up in the moment. Watching the baby, eyes wide with curiosity, crawl toward the items and make their “choice” is as hilarious as it is touching. It is a snapshot of childhood wonder and a family’s excitement for what lies ahead.

I still remember one ceremony for a friend’s daughter who ignored all the carefully arranged items and went straight for the family cat’s toy mouse. The relatives decided this meant she would be a veterinarian. She is now five and shows no interest in animals at all, but loves building blocks instead. 

What strikes me every time is the quiet magic of the moment: grandparents leaning in with held breath, parents ready with cameras, and siblings cheering like they are watching a world cup match. It is not so much about what the baby chooses as it is about the family’s shared excitement and the joy of picturing endless possibilities for this new life.

A Blend of Tradition and Modern Touches

The objects in a Zhua Zhou ceremony reflect both tradition and the changing world. Families often include books or brushes for scholars and writers, money or an abacus for businesspeople, a stethoscope for doctors, a ruler for engineers, cosmetics for those in the beauty industry, food items for chefs, musical instruments for musicians, and tools for craftspeople. 

Modern families also add items like computer mice, smartphones, or toy airplanes to represent newer careers. This mix of traditional and modern objects shows how Zhua Zhou stays rooted in heritage while embracing today’s possibilities. 

More Than Just Fortune Telling

After attending several Zhua Zhou ceremonies, I have realized the real meaning of this tradition is not predicting the future of the child.It is about the family gathering to share dreams for their child, to mark a milestone together, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. The objects are just symbols. The true fortune is the love and warmth that fill the room.

Whether the child grows up to be a doctor, an artist, or something entirely unexpected, Zhua Zhou becomes part of their family story. “Remember when you picked the calculator? We should have known you would become a mathematician!” or “You grabbed the toy car, but who would have thought you would become a chef instead?” 

While Zhua Zhou is uniquely Taiwanese, it shares a spirit found in many cultures: celebrating new life and the dreams that come with it. At its heart, it is not about predicting a child’s future job, but about family, love, and the magic of possibility. Whether it is a Western parent capturing a baby’s first steps or a Taiwanese family watching their child choose from symbolic objects, these rituals mark a major milestone and brim with wishes for health, intelligence, diligence, and happiness. 

I did not organize a Zhua Zhou for my own child, but I have attended a few, and they always leave me smiling. Even as an observer, you can feel the warmth and connection Zhua Zhou brings to a family. It is a moment where tradition meets play and every choice is met with cheers and countless photos.