From CRI via China.org:
Zhuazhou(ÊäìÂë®) is regarded as one of the most important customs on a child’s first birthday.
When a family has a child, the family members want to know what the child will be when he or she grows up. Parents place an assortment of articles in front of their child to choose from. The things the child chooses determine his or her future inclination and capabilities.
The earliest written record of this custom can be traced back to the Song Dynasty 1,000 years ago. In the late Qing Dynasty 100 years ago, this custom prevailed in Beijing. Zhuazhou is not an occasion for grand feasts and elaborate gifts. The hosts do not even send out invitations….[Full Text]
