Last Friday afternoon, a group of boys and girls were standing together in the school. They were wearing traditional Chinese clothing, waiting for their parents to put a hat on their head or stick a hairpin(簪) in their hair. These young people were having their coming-of-age ceremony (成人礼). We usually see coming-of-age ceremonies in TV, films and books. In fact, it is an important event in almost every culture.
In the United States, turning sixteen is a big deal. Most teenagers get their driver's licenses at 16. Girls have "sweet 16" birthday parties when they turn sixteen to celebrate the coming of age. They usually wear pretty clothes and have a special dance with their father.
In Japan, Coming of Age Day is a national holiday on the second Monday in January every year. People who are twenty years old all officially(正式地) dress up on this day. Girls wear make-up and put on kimonos (和服).
Boys wear a man's kimono or a smart suit. They all go to streets, take photos, and have fun to enjoy their big day together.
In Germany, the coming-of-age ceremony is called Jugendfeier. It seems to be more thought-provoking because during this ceremony, a teacher will always give a speech to young adults, telling them adulthood brings not only joy, but also more responsibilities(责任).
