subject: 18th or 21st birthdays mean the same thing [print this page] 18th or 21st birthdays mean the same thing
When did 18th birthdays replace the traditional 21'st's? After all time was when the 21st birthday was a day for getting the key of the door. In other words it was a day when, officially, the celebrant became an adult with all that implied. They key to the door was then a symbol of adulthood.
In most countries nowadays adulthood begins at 18. That is the age when a boy or girl is eligible to vote. Many of them are away at college making their own decisions and even sometimes earning their own keep. So it is not surprising then that the 18th birthday is a special one and has, in many instances replaced the 21st.
No matter when it is celebrated the 18th birthday or the 21st birthday is usually a big party occasion. It's a day for candles and cakes and humorous cards. It's a day when family and friends come together to wish the birthday boy or girl good luck in the future. The parties vary of course. Some are family occasions held at home. Others are discos held in night clubs and some are a combination of both. Yet more celebrations are held in hotels or bars. They can be posh or casual, a five course dinner in a hotel or a barbeque on the beach.
Parents often give birthday speeches and speak of their pride in their son or daughters. Alternatively, a peer will give a speech but this will usually be very light-hearted, more a roast than a speech. Sometimes a grandparent will want to speak about their wonderful grandson or granddaughter. Whoever speaks should ensure that the speech doesn't bore people but adds to the party ambience.
18th or 21st parties are a milestone in everyone's life. They are a time for looking back and looking forward. At this age the future looks good. There are adventures and excitements ahead. There are decisions to be made about future careers. Above all it is a time when young adults are surrounded by their friends most of whom are looking ahead with the same excitement, the same optimism.
The lack of jobs available in the current economic climate does affect the youngsters of course but being young and unhampered by responsibilities many of them choose to travel abroad until the economy improves. So they are high spirited and full of fun and whether it is the 18th or the 21st birthday they celebrate they do so with great gusto.
