“Sixteen candles on your cake, one for every wish you’ll make. It’s your birthday, and you’re the star, for Sweet Sixteen is what you are!” – Frank Sinatra
If your child will be celebrating a sixteenth birthday soon and they are wondering whether to host a Sweet Sixteen party, perhaps they need a little inspiration! Not many kids know that coming-of-age festivities are celebrated across the globe, and many have ancient roots! Whether you wish to throw your child a birthday party to remember or you simply wish to enlighten them on how important their big day is, share a few fascinating traditions with them and bring a smile to their face!
Quinceañera Celebrations
In Mexico, Argentina, and Other Latin American Countries, 15 is the magic number rather than 16—especially for girls! The famous quinceañera celebrations, known for glamorous dresses and lavish parties with family and friends, also include religious ceremonies and traditional dances. Some of the most memorable parts of this event include a Catholic mass (held to reaffirm the girl’s commitment to her faith), the grand entrance (in which the girl enters with her stunningly designed dress and tiara), and the presentation of “the last doll” (in which she is presented with her last toy of childhood).
Another is the changing of the shoes, in which the girl’s father or a significant male figure changes her flat shoes for heels, symbolizing her journey into maturity.
Wilderness Outings
In North Baffin Island in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Canada, boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12 set out into the wilderness with their fathers to sharpen their hunting skills and acclimatize to the harsh arctic weather. The tradition, once limited to boys, now also includes girls, and it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is considered to be a key way for fathers to pass down essential wilderness skills and traditional knowledge to their kids. The aim is for children to emerge more resilient and confident in their ability to survive on their wits and knowledge of nature.
Seijin no Hi Ceremony
Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Day, is a national holiday in Japan, taking place on the second Monday of January every year. It celebrates young adults who turned or will turn 20 between the 2nd of April of the previous year and the 1st of April of the current year. In Japan, 20 is considered the age of maturity. Municipalities across the country hold ceremonies. Young women typically wear a special kimono called a furisode, which has long sleeves. Men, meanwhile, wear formal men’s kimono or formal Western attire. Ceremonies include speeches by celebrities or local officials who encourage young adults to be independent and self-reliant. The event also marks the official point from which celebrants can drive, consume alcoholic beverages, and enjoy other privileges.
Families and restaurants prepare special foods for the occasion, including sekihan, a popular dish with rice and red beans.
The Sateré-Mawé Bullet Ant Initiation
In the Brazilian Amazon, young boys (aged around 16 or 17) undergo a unique, painful ritual they are expected to complete at least 20 times before being considered true adults in their tribe. It is the Sateré-Mawé bullet ant initiation, which involves wearing gloves filled with bullet ants! The rite is meant as a test of strength and endurance. Sateré-Mawé girls also have a coming-of-age ceremony, which involves isolating in a hut for a month. The only persons allowed to engage with them are their mothers, who bring them food and water.
A child’s sweet sixteen birthday is one of the most memorable of their life. If your child is about to celebrate this coming-of-age birthday, share a few interesting traditions from around the world. From wilderness adventures to wearing stunning gowns, these traditions can inspire your child when they are planning their big day.