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As they often say, growing up is hard to do!
Many cultures mark the transition from childhood to adulthood with meaningful traditions and ceremonies. International Youth Day falls on August 12 each year, and to mark the occasion, we’re taking a look at a range of well‑known coming‑of‑age traditions and rites of passage from different cultures around the globe.
Bullet Ant Initiation, Brazil
This rite of passage is a cultural tradition among young males seeking recognition within the Amazonian Sateré‑Mawé tribe. After displays of singing and dancing, young boys put on specially woven gloves filled with biting bullet ants and must endure the stings for around 10 minutes. After the gloves are removed, the effects can be painful and long‑lasting, but respect is earned. According to tradition, the ritual is repeated multiple times over several years before the initiation is considered complete.
Ji Li and Guan Li, China
The coming‑of‑age ceremonies Ji Li (for girls) and Guan Li (for boys) are practised by the Han Chinese. The traditions are Confucian in nature and are believed to date back to ancient times. Generally, participants are around 18 to 20 years old, although in historical periods, girls often took part at a younger age. The ceremony typically involves traditional dress, formal proceedings, moments of ritual observance, and the allocation of an adult name.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Various Countries
Bar Mitzvahs (for boys) and Bat Mitzvahs (for girls) are longstanding traditions within Jewish communities around the world. Both involve significant preparation, study, and learning focused on the teachings and commandments of the Torah. Once the religious ceremony is complete, a gathering with family and friends often follows to celebrate this milestone of responsibility and adulthood.
Debut, Philippines
In the Philippines, women acknowledge and celebrate their 18th birthday with a traditional Debut. This ceremony-come-party is similar to that of a wedding, encompassing a family procession, prayers, traditional dress, and 18 tributes or gifts from the birthday girl’s 18 specially chosen friends. Later, a party with formal dancing and even fireworks usually follow.
Beard Shaving, Ancient Rome
How did young boys in Ancient Rome mark the transition to adulthood? They shaved their beards! Protective amulets worn during childhood were removed and dedicated to household deities such as the Lares. Young men would then begin wearing the toga, symbolising adult status, often followed by civic duties or military enrolment.
Sweet Sixteen Party, U.S.
The Sweet Sixteen Party is commonly viewed as an important coming‑of‑age milestone in the United States and may be celebrated by boys or girls. Events range widely in scale, from small family gatherings to larger formal celebrations. Traditions can include formal attire, speeches, and symbolic gifts. In some families, a car may be given as a sign of growing independence, responsibility, and freedom.
Cattle Jumping, Ethiopia
Among the Hamar tribe of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, young boys, known as Ukuli, participate in a multi‑day coming‑of‑age ceremony involving dancing, singing, and traditional ritual practices. The most well‑known element requires the boys to run across the backs of cattle. Successfully completing the task allows them to be recognised as a Maza, indicating readiness for adult responsibilities within the community.
Seijin no Hi, Japan
Turning 20 is a significant step in Japanese culture, and both men and women commemorate this landmark with Seijin no Hi or ‘Coming of Age Day’ on the second Monday of January. Both genders dress in traditional-style kimonos and attend ceremonies at local city or prefecture offices, where they listen to official speeches and receive gifts. A party with family and/or friends is held afterwards to mark the occasion.
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