A growing birthday cake trend among North Korean elementary school students is deepening social divides, with children from poorer families being excluded from parties and friendships as a result, a Daily NK source in South Pyongan province said recently, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
“In the past, cakes were generally only served at weddings or sixtieth birthday celebrations, or occasionally at birthday parties for children from well-off families. But for some reason, elementary school students nowadays are all clamoring to have a cake,” the source said.
In North Korea, the birthday cake is known as “toreuteu,” borrowed from the Russian word “Торт.” Children around the age of 10 have taken to celebrating birthdays by inviting classmates home, with the cake’s candle-blowing ritual serving as the centerpiece of the party.
The problem is cost. Cakes range from 50 to 200 Chinese yuan ($7 to $28 USD), putting them out of reach for many families. Children who cannot have a party in turn feel too uncomfortable to attend friends’ parties when invited, even if they are welcome.
Invisible barriers
“When you’re invited to a birthday party, you’re supposed to bring a present, and when your own birthday comes around, you’re supposed to have friends over for some cake,” the source said. “Children who can’t afford to throw a party don’t feel comfortable going to their friends’ parties even if they’re invited, which creates invisible barriers between the children.”
Some children from struggling families have broken down in tears begging their parents for a cake. Some parents have asked homeroom teachers to ban birthday parties altogether, but teachers say there is no way to stop children from holding them.
“Just imagine the childhood of those who are too poor to play with other kids,” the source said. “It’s very sad that these children have to experience economic disparity and the discrimination and alienation that causes as they grow up.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: dailynk.com
