Zhuazhou is an ancient method for predicting a child’s future career. The earliest written record for this custom can date back to the Beiqi Dynasty (550-557 BC).

It is a ceremony held on the child’s first birthday. On that day, parents place an assortment of objects, each symbolic of a future career path, on a plate in front of the child. Then, without help or guide, the child is free to pick anything he or she likes. It is believed that the selected ones will not only reveal the child’s future career but also his/her personality and interests.

However, the objects laid out for boys and girls are different. For boys, the items will be swards, pens, books, etc. symbolizing the career of general, poet, scholar, etc. While, makeup, needles, thread, etc. will be placed on a girl’s plate since women are expected to be good at housework.

Nowadays, some families still hold the custom. However, not for superstitious purpose, it is only considered to be a way to know the child’s interest and then conduct the enlightenment education.