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Coming of age
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Coming of age is a young person's transition from adolescence to adulthood. The age at which this transition takes place varies in society, as does the nature of the transition. It can be a simple legal convention or can be part of a ritualistic cycle, similar to those once practiced by many societies. In the past, and in some societies today, such a change is associated with the age of sexual maturity (mid-adolescence); in others, it is associated with an age of religious responsibility.
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Encyclopedia
Coming of age is a young person's transition from adolescence to adulthood. The age at which this transition takes place varies in society, as does the nature of the transition. It can be a simple legal convention or can be part of a ritualistic cycle, similar to those once practiced by many societies. In the past, and in some societies today, such a change is associated with the age of sexual maturity (mid-adolescence); in others, it is associated with an age of religious responsibility. Particularly in western societies, modern legal conventions which stipulate points in late adolescence or early adulthood (most commonly 18 and 21, at which time adolescents are generally no longer considered minors and are granted the full rights of an adult) are the focus of the transition. In either case, many cultures retain ceremonies to confirm the coming of age, and significant benefits come with the change. (See also rite of passage.)
The term coming of age is also used in reference to different media such as stories, songs, movies, etc. that have a young character or characters who, by the end of the story, have developed in some way, through the undertaking of responsibility, or by learning a lesson.
Religious coming of age
Bahá'í Faith
In Bahá'í Faith 15 is considered the age of maturity and laws such as fasting and prayer becomes applicable.
Christianity
Age of accountability
This is the age at which a child is old enough to understand the moral consequences of his or her actions and can be held accountable for sins. It is also called the 'age of reason.' Though it does not correspond to a particular age for every person, due to differences in personal and psychological maturation, it is sometimes set down arbitrarily as 12 or, in the Roman Catholic Church, 7; the latter convention gave rise to the English common-law presumption that no child under the age of seven could possess the mens rea necessary for commission of a felony. The concept of the age of accountability is not based upon any direct teaching from the Bible, but stems from individual church traditions. A child who has passed the age of accountability is said to know the difference between right and wrong and to be capable of obeying the moral laws of God. Some Christian traditions believe that the age of accountability is the end of a period of early grace (prevenient grace, in Wesleyan traditions) which covers over the sins of those not capable of knowing the moral consequences of their actions (persons who, due to developmental disability, mental or emotional development, will never reach a sufficient level of abstract reason, are covered by this grace for life and are sometimes known as 'the innocents'). In Christian traditions which practice Believer's Baptism (baptism by voluntary decision, as opposed to baptism in early infancy), the ritual can be carried out after the age of accountability has arrived. Some traditions withhold the rite of Holy Communion from those not yet at the age of accountability, on the grounds that children do not understand what the sacrament means. Full membership in the Church, if not bestowed at birth, often must wait until the age of accountability and frequently is granted only after a period of preparation known as catechesis.
Hermeticism (Greek Paganism)
In certain states in Ancient Greece, such as Sparta and Crete, adolescent boys were expected to enter into a mentoring relationship with an adult man, in which they would be taught skills pertaining to adult life, such as hunting, martial arts, fine arts and philosophy.
Hinduism
In Hinduism coming of age generally signifies that a boy or girl is mature enough to understand his responsibility towards family and society. Hinduism also has the sacred thread ceremony for Dvija (twice-born) boys that marks their coming of age to do religious ceremonies. Women often celebrate their coming to age by having a ceremony. This ceremony includes dressing them with sari, and announcing their maturity to the community.
Tamilians perform a lavish occasion called Manjal Neerattu Vizha, to celebrate their daughter attaining adulthood. They invite their relatives and neighbours for the proceedings and formally announce it. The purpose of the ceremony is to provide awareness to the daughter about the changes that will proceed, and also to make them clear about Do s and Don't s, they should follow.
The girls will be made to wear the traditional dress saree, and they are showered with turmeric water, during the ocacasion.
Judaism
In Jewish law and tradition, a boy who turns thirteen is known as a Bar Mitzvah ("one to whom the commandments apply"), and is from that point obligated to fulfill Jewish commandments. This new status is often marked by a religious service at which the boy performs a liturgical act, such as chanting a haftarah, that is ordinarily reserved for those who have reached the age of Bar Mitzvah. This service is not, formally speaking, a "coming of age" ceremony, since it only marks a status that is acquired automatically. In the popular imagination, however, it is often thought of as a coming of age ritual.
Similarly, a girl who reaches the age of twelve is known as a "Bat Mitzvah". The general practice among Conservative and Reform Jews is to mark this event with a religious service essentially the same as that held for boys. Reflecting the egalitarianism inherent in Reconstructionism, Reconstructionist Jewish girls (and many Reform Jewish girls) have bat mizvahs at thirteen; the religious service is exactly the same as that required of boys. Many Modern Orthodox Jews also hold Bat Mitzvah services, or rather Bat Chiyal (Daughter of Excellence) services, which are modified to conform to their interpretation of the limits imposed by Jewish law.
The Bar or Bat Mitzvah service is often followed by a party, though this doesn't have to be the case. However, in modern culture, the milestone is often marked with a celebration after the ceremony. Also, in modern culture, a thirteen-year old Jew is not truly treated as an adult (for example, in Israeli law, as in that of most other countries, he or she is still considered a minor for several additional years).
Islam
It is not obligatory for a child before the age of puberty to carry out any obligatory acts of Shariah. This rule is based on the saying of the Prophet: "The pen is raised (prevented from writing the sins) of three groups (of people) that is, they will not be responsible for their actions: the insane until they become sane, those who are sleeping until they wake up, and the young until they reach puberty" [Related by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawood and al-Tirmizi].
Although it is not obligatory for a child to pray at the age of seven his guardian is recommended to order him to perform prayers when he reaches seven. Therefore, if you observe one of the signs of the puberty then it is mandatory on you to perform the obligatory prayers in congregation and at the mosque. Besides praying in congregation, all the other obligations of Shariah become also mandatory on you, including enjoining good and forbidding evils, which you should do, in accordance to your ability. If you have not reached that age then you are not obliged to carry out these obligations. However, before puberty it is merely recommended to practise the rites of Islamic Shariah in order to spend your time in the obedience of Allah and to be characterized by Islamic traits.
Non-religious coming of age traditions
In some countries Humanist or Freethinker organisations have arranged courses or camps for non-religious adolescents, in which they can study or work on ethical, social and personal topics important for adult life, followed by a formal rite of passage comparable to the Christian Confirmation. Some of these ceremonies are even called "civil confirmations". The purpose of these ceremonies is to offer a festive ritual for those youngsters, who do not believe in any religion, but nevertheless want to mark their transition from childhood to adulthood.
Cultural rituals exclusive to nations
Australia, New Zealand & United Kingdom
The coming of age in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom is celebrated either at 18, which is the legal age of majority, or at 21, the traditional age. Eighteenth birthday parties are becoming increasingly common. Turning 21 has few effects legally, whereas 18 is the age of legal majority it is the age to vote, drink, gamble, get married without parental consent (can marry at 16 without parental consent in Scotland), sign contracts etc. Celebrations typically take the form of a particularly extravagant birthday party; presents given are often higher than usual value, and champagne may be served, as at other formal celebrations. If the celebrant is a male he may be forced to consume a yard glass which is typically full of beer. But apart from this little to no set ceremony or ritual is observed. However there is a growing trend towards Adolescence Ceremonies that celebrate the coming of age with a display of transitional objects such as teddy bears that are officially packed away after the ceremony. During the ceremony an explanation of rights and obligations may be explained to the new adult to assist a smoother transition into adulthood for themselves and their family.
Drinking plays a large part in Australian 18th birthdays, as it is the age where one can legally drink. As such, many 18th birthdays are celebrated with a large party with friends, with drinking as a central motif. These gatherings are often loud, and it is customary for the birthday boy/girl to drink more then they otherwise should. Despite 18 being the legal age of adulthood, many Australians do not immediately take on the roles of adult, such as moving out of home or gaining full-time employment, instead studying or working as an apprentice. This accounts for the distinction between the atmospheres and objectives of 18ths and 21sts. 18ths being drinking, and 21sts being a more transitional and reflective celebrations. At Australian 21sts, it is customary for parents and siblings to assemble embarassing photos, videos, voice recordings or other childhood memorabilia to display at a celebration.
Part of the Americas
In some countries off the Americas there is a tradition very similar to that of the Bat mitzvah in the Jewish faith. For a young woman, Quinceañera, Los Quince or La Fiesta de Quince (Fifteenth Birthday or The Party of the Fifteenth Birthday) is a rite of passage signifying that she has reached the age of adulthood. The event is marked by a large celebration and a candle lighting ceremony, which acts as a more spiritual mark to her achievement. This tradition is based on societal views of youth and faith.
Spain
In Spain during the 19th century, there was a civilian coming of age bound to the compulsory military service. The quintos were the boys of the village that reached the age of eligibility for military service (18 years), thus forming the quinta of a year. In rural Spain, the mili was the first and sometimes the only experience of life away from family. In the days before their departure, the quintos knocked every door to ask for food and drink. They held a common festive meal with what they gathered and sometimes painted some graffiti reading "Vivan los quintos del año" as a memorial of their leaving their youth. Years later, the quintos of the same year could still hold yearly meals to remember times past. By the end of the 20th century, the rural exodus, the diffusion of city customs and the loss of prestige of military service changed the relevance of quintos parties. In some places, the party included the village girls of the same age, thus becoming less directly relevant to military service. In others, the tradition was simply lost.
China
Historically, the Chinese coming of age ceremony has been the Guan Li for men and the Ji Li for women. The age is usually 20 and during the ceremony, the person obtains a style name. These ceremonies are now rarely practiced in China, but there has been a recent resurgence, especially from those who are sympatheic to the Hanfu movement.
Japan
Since 1948, the age of majority in Japan has been 20; persons under 20 are not permitted to smoke, drink, or vote. Coming-of-age ceremonies, known as seijin shiki, are held on the second Monday of January. At the ceremony, all of the men and women participating are brought to a government building and listen to many speakers, similar to a graduation ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the government gives the new adults money.
In the past, coming-of-age ceremonies were largely reserved for noble and samurai families. A ceremony called genpuku was celebrated for men of such ranks at an age varying from 12 to 16. The equivalent for women was called , and was celebrated for girls between the ages of 12 and 14.
Papua New Guinea
Kovave is a ceremony to initiate Papua New Guinea boys into adult society. It involves dressing up in a conical hat which has long strands of leaves hanging from the edge, down to below the waist. The effect is both humorous and frightening. The name Kovave is also used to describe the head-dress.
Samoa
In 1928, Margaret Mead published a book called Coming of Age in Samoa. It not only launched her career as an anthropologist but remains a classic in its field.
United States
In the United States the coming of age is celebrated either at 18, the age of majority, or at 21, the legal drinking age. Many American girls and some boys celebrate their 16th birthdays by means of a sweet sixteen, which is considered an important milestone, as this is the age at which one may obtain a driver's license in many states. 18 year olds can buy lottery tickets and gamble. 21 year olds can gamble in private casinos such as those in Las Vegas. One is also considered to come of age as one matures and discover one's self.
Vietnam
During the feudal period, the coming of age was celebrated at 15 for noblemen. Nowadays, the age is 18 for girls and 20 for boys.
Pygmies
In the rite of initiation of Baka Pygmies, the Spirit of the Forest ritually kills the boys to propitiate their rebirth as men. The Italian anthropologist Mauro Campagnoli took part in this secret rite of men's initiation in order to better understand its meaning. He became a member of a baka patrilinear clan and completed his trans-cultural coming of age.
Korea
In Korea, the Monday of the third week of May is "coming-of-age day". Also the choice to marry, drink alcohol, to smoke, to vote, and to drive is when you are 19 (20 the most).
South Africa
In South Africa, traditionally a person's 21st birthday is considered their welcome into adulthood. A large party with family and friends and a lot of alcohol is normally organized, as well as the father of the new adult giving a speech to celebrate that person's life so far. Another tradition is to embarrass the young adult through baby photos etc...
Professional initiatory rituals
Academic Initiations
Medical school
White coat ceremony
English public school
University
In many universities of Europe, South America and India, first year students are made to undergo tests or humiliation before being accepted as students. Perhaps the oldest of these is "Raisin Monday" at the University of St Andrews. It is still practiced. A senior student would take a new student, a "bejant" or "bejantine" under his wing and show them round the university. In gratitude, the bejant would give the senior student a pound of raisins. In turn this led to bejants being given receipts in Latin. If a bejant failed to produce the receipt, he could be thrown into a fountain. The word bejant derives from "bec jaune" (a yellow beak, or fledgling).
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities use various means of rituals or hazing on their pledges before allowing them admission.
Printing industry
Among apprentices, the step from apprentice to journeyman was often marked by some ceremonial humiliation. Among printers this lasted until the twentieth century. The unfortunate young man would be "banged out" by being covered in offal.
Japanese corporate entrance ceremony
In large Japanese corporations, all employees who enter the company from college or high school in the same year attend an entrance ceremony. Attendees are required to arrive early, sit in assigned seats, and wear company-approved clothing with an approved haircut. A member of the group is chosen to give a speech, and everyone sings the company song.
Films
Webcomics
See also
External links
- male coming-of-age rituals
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