Do you know that in Japan, in every second of Monday in January, they celebrate a special day called Seijin no Hi or known as the Coming of Age Day? Well on this day, Japanese teenagers who turn 20, are officially part of the adult community. They will carry the responsibility and the freedom of an adult, like voting :-)

Traditionally, they will dress up in special furisode and zori sandals for the girls, and hakama for the boys. They will have trip to shrine with their friends, before attending invitation by the local government. There, they will hear speeches from government officials and given small presents. Afterwards, the young adults will celebrate it with their family and friends over dinner at restaurants.

In Kyoto, the celebration continues a week later at a beautiful temple in Southern Kyoto called Sanjusangendo. Began in the 16th century, an archery competition was held for young adult coming of age. Today, it is only ceremonial, where each participant will be given 2 arrows only and shoot at a target 60 meters away.

I wonder if in other countries, they also have such culture of welcoming adulthood :-)

Comments

There are no comments for this post.

Write a Comment