An overview of society’s ways of acknowledging the transition in a girl’s life

Coming of Age A young person’s transition from childhood to adulthood Associated with: Sexual Maturity (early adolescence)/ Religious Responsibility This transition is celebrated/interpreted in different ways in different cultures (for boys as well as for girls).

Judaism Jewish females may participate in a bat mitzvah – a ceremony (and often a party) on a girl's 12th birthday. The status of adulthood and "bat mitzvah" (translation: "daughter of the commandment") is conferred upon the 12th birthday with or without the celebration.

Christianity A young person celebrates his or her coming of age with the sacrament of confirmation. It is believed that this completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and matures the soul for the work ahead.

Hinduism A sacred thread ceremony – Upanayana, for boys. Girls in some parts celebrate their coming of age upon receiving their first menstrual cycle, in some parts of India.

UK Young people earn different adult rights at different ages: 16 yrs: Right to marry 18 yrs: Right to vote, drink and smoke 21 yrs: considered an adult socially Similar legal stages exist in India

Ethiopia (Hamar Tribe) Young Hamar boys are considered men when they can run four times over the backs of their cattle.

Brasil (Xavante Tribe) Young boys come of age through a series of tasks including spending fifteen days immersed in water.

Some Popular Practices

Parts of Latin America, Mexico, Carribean Region

General format of the function (barring small regional variations) Change of Shoes: a family member gifts the girl her first pair of high heels. Crowning Ceremony: a close relative vests her with a crown on her head. Ceremony of the last doll: the father presents her with a doll usually wearing

the same dress as her. 1. Arrival of the girl in a special dress, accompanied by her father 2. Waltz (girl dances with all her friends and relatives) 3. Main meal course 4. Second period of dancing 5. Dessert (and video playback of the recorded birthday with her friends –

optional) 6. 15-candle ceremony- the girl delivers 15 candles to people who she

considers were most influential in her development during 15 years. It’s often accompanied by a speech, dedicated to the fifteen people.

The 15 candles also represent the 15 years she has left behind. 7. Third period of dancing 8. Toast, cake cutting 9. Carnival style dance.

North America (mainly US and Canada)

A celebration similar to a quinceañera. It can be either a formal or a casual event. Traditions:

1. Candle lighting ceremony: 16 candles, each having a

special meaning, are given by the girl to the respective people – the first being for the girl’s parents, the 16th being for her boyfriend or a very close male friend.

2. Shoe ceremony: the uncle/father/grandfather helps her into her new high heels (entering womanhood).

3. Tiara ceremony: the mother places a tiara on her head, to symbolize her becoming a woman.

4. Father-daughter dance: usually in the beginning.

An MTV reality series Documenting the lives of teenagers, usually in the US, Canada and UK, who have their parents throw huge coming of age celebrations. Original Run: 2005-2008 Casting has begun on an international version. Parties include: Quinceañera (Sweet 15) The Sweet Sixteen My Super Sweet 21

South India – parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Different names in different regions: ‘Ritu Shuddhi’, ‘Tiyyar’ etc. Done in all castes and communities, after the girl receives her first period. It’s celebrated on the lines of a wedding. The ritual can be seen to be celebrated in three parts. 1. Seclusion (entering a separate space/time): The girl is kept away from everyone, she’s fed special food to give her strength. She

takes complete rest. Friends can visit her, in some places. 2. Liminality (the transitional period): The neighborhood women prepare a ceremonious meal, and paint the girl with

turmeric, limestone etc. (like a bride).

3. Return (re-incorporation into group): The girl is given a new sari, and is dressed like a new bride, with jewelry . A public

function is held by her family, and all friends and relatives are invited. The girl’s maternal uncle is given importance in the entire ceremony.

This custom more common in villages and smaller cities, than in an urban setting. Also see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEfqQpTfda0&feature=youtu.be

Significance of the ‘Coming Of Age’ Phenomenon

The coming-of-age story is a major genre of literature and film that focuses on the growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. Themes of maturation, loss of innocence, wisdom are present. ‘Bildungsroman’ is a specific subgenre of coming-of-age story. Especially prominent in literature, it focuses on the protagonist’s psychological and moral growth.