Why Do We Celebrate Milestone Birthdays?

Why Do We Celebrate Milestone Birthdays?

We celebrate 16th, 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays and after that is goes in 5's so 65th, 70th, 75th, 80th. For these important birthdays it's time to look back on everything that you've achieved, overcome and enjoyed. Then begin to look forward to your future plans and what you want to achieve by your next milestone Birthday. 

Turning 16 is a celebration of being a teenager, you can legally get married without parental consent, you can buy a moped or a lawn mower and you can buy an energy drink. In the UK turning 16 is a time where you start to make decisions for yourself by taking on some adult responsibilities. These can include deciding to stay on at school or college, start an apprenticeship or some form of on-the-job training. The traditional gift for a 16th birthday is often a keepsake, either a piece of jewellery, like a bracelet or ring.

 

 When you turn 18 you are legally classed as an adult you are able to vote, drink alcohol, attain a bank loan, make a will or get married. You are at the beginning of lots of fun super exciting adventures. Turning 18 is an age where you have just left education and are finding your feet in the adult world.

 

 

Turning 21 is the next big milestone in your early adult life. At 21 you could be finishing your last year of university, deciding what is next for your future or you are in a paid job at the start your career. In the USA turning 21 allows access to legally drinking alcohol and enter the floor of all casinos. Often people receive sentimental gifts for their 21st like a photo album which has lots and lots of pages for you to add a photograph  and add your own personalised comment. 

 

At the age of 30 the general population have either started to ‘settle down’ or have been working hard on their career. Either way turning 30 is considered a big birthday. It's important to take a step back from your career and/or children to find yourself again even if it is just for a day. It's an age where you can find your feet in the adult world and take some time for yourself.

 

 

People at the age of 40 start to worry they're nearing the stereotypical "big 50" but you are still young. It's an age where you should complete something you have wanted to do but have never gotten round to; like go in a hot air balloon, sky dive, health spa or go-karting. This is the time to get out of your comfort zone, this experience will stick with you forever and would be an amazing achievement.

  

 

Your 50th Birthday is halfway to a century, so it is time to celebrate all the accomplishments over your lifetime. Usually celebrated as the "Big 5 0" which means you should have a big celebration and decorate with traditional 50th Birthday colours which are black and gold due to the fact it is seen as ‘golden’. 

 

 

For many, turning 60 means swapping full‐time work for full‐time fun and often you begin to learn new skills like dancing, art or cookery. It's in this decade people tend to retire, this is the time for you to try something you have always wanted to do but you have never found the time. Let go and enjoy all of your new free time! This may include moving home, cruising around the Caribbean or finding new found skills. 

 

 

Big fancy birthday presents are nice but often aren't needed. The most important thing is spending quality time with friends and family make lots of memories for with you or them to scrapbook or add all the memories into one of these albums. 

 


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