Coming-of-Age Day

Coming-of-Age Day commemorates an occasion for someone to become a grown-up. In Korea, the event is put into effect for a person who turns 19 years old. Coming-of-Age Day means celebration and encouragement for someone to become an adult with self- awareness of his or her obligation and duty. Becoming an adult means becoming a man or a woman of ability whose country would like. A man or woman of ability possesses a correct view of state and values. Coming-of- Age Day has the above significance.

Japan’s Coming-of-Age Day takes place on January 8 each year. Japan puts

So the Coming-of-Age Day became a public holiday there. Those who turn 18 years old wear Kimonos and take pictures. They are decorated with ornaments on their clothes by their relatives. Women also receive a gift of handbag, and men receive a gift of wallet. In Europe, almost all countries don’t observe Coming-of-Age Day. Vicariously, married men are recognized as adults. In the US, the third Sunday of May is observed as the Citizen’s Day and have a party congratulating those who have just earned their right to vote.

Coming-of-Age Day puts emphasis on adults’ duty. The day is considered as an important day anywhere and anytime. Especially, a tribal society or early society of state had more important meanings

than now. In a tribal society or early society of state, adults’ labor was more highlighted. Children who had developed into adults became members of a social group at last. According to an ancient society record, there

were some references about Coming- of-Age Day. In the Three Han States, boys carried the log line on their backs and built a house to get their training. Gwang-Jong, a king from the Goryeo Dynasty dressed his son, Joo, an official uniform. An official uniform signified an adult’s ordinary clothes. Ceremony commemorating Coming-of-Age Day was also recorded in the Joseon Dynasty. After early marriage trend and the ordinance prohibiting topknots, ceremony began to fade away. Recently, people just congratulate and give presents to each other.

There are three presents representing Coming-of-Age Day. Each present has a special meaning. The first is a rose. A rose means pure love and passion in the language of flowers. So a rose signifies infinite passion and love for those who have become socially established adults. People usually give twenty roses to celebrate someone’s entrance into adulthood.

The second present is perfume.

Perfume means being a good person with good influence on other people while remaining fragrantly like perfume. The third is kiss from a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Kiss is lover’s gift. Kiss means responsible love. Adults can do everything on their own will with heavy responsibility. So is love. True and responsible love is very important to adults. Practical gifts are popular gifts. Popular and practical gifts include a laptop, watch, cosmetics and jewelry.

However, the best present is suffrage. Adults can exercise their right to vote. As true members of our society, voting is our right and duty. We must exercise our right and duty.