Coming of Age Day - Japan (Luiz Roso Danin)

Every year in Japan, in the second monday of January, is celebrated the Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi). On this date, is celebrated the legal majority, the passsage to adulthood, from all who completed 20 years old in the previous year, and now they are able to vote, smoke, buy alcohol and things like that, and assume all duties and responsibilities of adulthood.

 

During this day occur in all Japanese cities, various celebrations in honor of the new adults, such as concerts, authorities or guests' speeches, fireworks, games and karaoke, and things like that. On this day also is common for the youths win gifts and money from his family.
The Seijin no Hi began to be celebrated in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868), when the boys became adults at 15 years old (part of his hair was shaved) and girls, around 13 years old (and their teeth were painted black). But it was only in 1876 that the Japanese government established the legal majority to 20 years old and in 1948 the Seijin no Hi became a national Holiday.

Women in Furisode

In Coming of Age Day, women dress a special silk formal kimono with long sleeves, elaborate designs and synthetic fur stoles, called Furisode, indicating that the young woman is single - according to Japanese customs, after marrying, the woman cut half the length of the sleeves of her kimono as a symbol of loyalty to her husband and moderation own vanity. As for the men, although they may dress the male Furisodes, they choose to wear suit and tie. You can see lots of Coming of Age Day pictures on the TokyoFashion.com.

Watch this video to learn a little more about the Coming of Age Day:



 

Posted by: Luiz Roso Danin