Coming-of-Age Ceremonies
A coming-of-age ceremony is an event that marks the time when a young person moves from childhood to adulthood.In some cultures,these ceremonies are rooted in history, while in others,they are presented in a more modern way.
In Ancient China,a traditional "capping ceremony" was held when a man turned 20. During this ceremony,his hair was combed into a bun and capped.A special guest of honour would extend best wishes for the young man's future,and would give him a "style name" which is a name taken at the age of 20.For a young woman,a "hair-pinning ceremony" was held around her 15th birthday.Her hair would be tied in a knot and decorated with a hairpin.Both these ceremonies signified that the wearers were ready to join adult society.
On the South Pacific island of Pentecost,another tradition takes place-though only for boys.Every year,boys as young as nine or ten take part in the ceremony of land diving.To prepare for it,each boy must go into the forest to find a long vine.During the ceremony,he climbs to the top of a wooden tower 20 to 30 metres high.There,he fastens one end of the vine to the tower and the other to his feet...and jumps!Far below,people sing and dance in encouragement,because the boy will not be regarded as a man until he has made the jump.
A particularly modern celebration takes place in the US.For Americans,16 is the age at which they gain some significant rights,such as being able to work and to drive.Many girls celebrate this newfound independence with a sweet 16 party.This can be a small,informal affair at home with family and close friends,or an extravagant event at a fancy venue. Some boys celebrate their 16th birthdays in similar ways.A celebration at the age of 16 is typically the biggest and most memorable of a girl's or boy's teenage years,marking the beginning of a new stage in life.
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