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In China, girls who reached 15 and boys who reached 20 would have hairpinning or capping ceremonies. They're wearing traditional Chinese clothing, waiting for their parents to put a hat on their head or stick a hairpin in their hair. |
In the United States, turning 16 is a big deal. Most teenagers get their driver's licenses at 16. Girls have "sweet 16" to celebrate coming of age. They wear fancy clothes and have a special dance with their father. |
In Japan, Coming of Age Day is a national holiday that takes place on the second Monday in January. People who are 20 years old all officially come of age on this day. Girls do their hair in fancy styles, wear makeup and put on kimonos. Boys wear a man's kimono or a smart suit. |
In Germany, the comingofage ceremony is called Jugendweihe—"youth ceremony". During this ceremony, a teacher gives a speech to young adults, talking about values such as respecting others and being responsible. It is from young adulthood on that most people are on their own to face the challenges of life. |
In one coastal area of Mexico, the comingofage ceremony is a big challenge. Boys have to swim across the local sea with a big rock. So boys train hard to succeed in swimming across the sea to show they are strong and brave enough to be an adult. |